Neuroprotection comprises a broad range of therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing
death of neurons in trauma or disease. As applied to ocular disorders,
neuroprotection has received enormous attention in past years because of its potential
for treating diseases that were heretofore untreatable or difficult to treat,
including disorders primarily involving death of photoreceptors (such as in macular
degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and retinal detachment) or retinal ganglion
cells (such as in glaucoma).
The goal of this book is to provide the reader with up-to-date ocular neuroprotection
research methods that are used in leading laboratories worldwide.
Chapters 1 through 15 focus on research methods at the laboratory level, with
emphasis on various cell culture and animal models, classes of neuroprotective
drugs, biochemical and cellular outcome measures, and applicability to human
disease. Chapters 16 through 18 focus on how clinical trials of neuroprotection
may be carried out, concentrating on issues of recruitment, outcome measures,
and requirements of regulatory agencies.
The information conveyed in this book is intended to be practical. The
chapters address the nuts and bolts of the actual methods themselves, along with
potential problems, solutions to those problems, potential shortcuts (and contraindications
to shortcuts), and specific suppliers, where appropriate. The book is
not intended to be an exhaustive presentation of research data or theories, but
rather to provide a focused description of useful methods for conducting neuroprotection
research.
This book will acquaint those considering research in the area with the
major techniques, tools, and issues in ocular neuroprotection, while investigators
with experience in neuroprotection research may benefit from exposure to new
models, methodologies, and clinical approaches. Regardless of the reader’s experience,
this volume will be an invaluable resource