Elucidation of mechanisms for regulating retinal circulation and identification of target molecule for novel preventive and/or therapeutic drugs for retinopathy

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24590122
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Biological pharmacy
• Research Institution: Kitasato University
• Principal Investigator: ISHII Kunio 北里大学, 薬学部, 教授 (90137993)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): NAKAHARA Tsutomu 北里大学, 薬学部, 准教授 (10296519) ; MORI Asami 北里大学, 薬学部, 助教 (80453504)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 薬理学 / 微小循環 / 糖尿病 / 血管生物学 / 網膜 / 血管内皮 / 一酸化窒素

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO)-induced vasodilator response is mediated via cycloocygenase/prostaglandin I2/prostanoid IP/cAMP signaling pathway and voltage-dependent potassium channel in rat retinal arterioles. Moreover, our results suggested that the activation of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels is involved in stimulation of beta2-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilation of rat retinal arterioles. Increased oxidative stress may contribute to attenuate retinal vasodilator responses induced by an activator of BKCa channels in diabetic rats. Furthermore, the dysfunction of retinal arterioles in diabetic rats tended to be suppressed by administration of an antioxidant drug. In conclusion, drugs that improve retinal circulation and possess antioxidative effect are considered to be novel candidates for prevention of retinopathy.

Free Research Field

薬理学