id_818. NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ESCITALOPRAM IN THE RETINA: ROLE OF BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR
Klaudia Mróz1,3, Bartosz Machna1,3,4, Anna Pacwa1,2,5, Mikołaj Górka7, Anna Gąsiorek1,3, Monika Katan1,3, Joanna Lewin-Kowalik1,3,5, Adrian Smędowski1,3,5,6,8
1 Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Laboratory for Translational Research in Ophthalmology, Department of Opthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice,
2 Medical University of Silesia, Department of Clinical Genetics and Rare Diseases, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
3 Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
4 Oftalabs, Walbrzych, Poland
5 Glaucotech Co, Katowice, Poland
6 Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Department of Ophthalmology, Professor K. Gibinski University Clinical Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
7 Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Center for Experimental Medicine, Katowice, Poland
8 Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Department of Paedriatric Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
INTRODUCTION: Escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), exhibits neuroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. It may act by increasing the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or decreasing the conductivity of gap junctions composed of connexin 36 (Cx36).
AIM(S): The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Escitalopram on retinal BDNF expression and retinal neuron function.
METHOD(S): The study used wild-type mice and mice with partial bdnf knockout. The animals received oral Escitalopram (20 mg/ml) or PBS as a control every other day for three months. Retinal function was assessed using electroretinography (ERG), while BDNF expression was analyzed using Western blot and immunohistochemical staining techniques.
RESULTS: Western blot analysis showed lower BDNF expression in BDNF KO mice, whereas Escitalopram increased its levels in WT mice and partially compensated for the BDNF deficiency in KO mice. ERG analysis demonstrated that Escitalopram improved the function of the inner retinal layers, increasing the amplitudes of oscillatory potentials and the PhNR response, which may promote neuronal survival under ischemic conditions.
CONCLUSIONS: The neuroprotective effects of Escitalopram in the retina may be partially dependent on BDNF. SSRIs may regulate BDNF expression and improve retinal neuron function, suggesting their potential application in the treatment of ischemic retinal diseases.