Protective effects of betaxolol in eyes with kainic acid-induced neuronal death.

In the present study, we investigated whether betaxolol, a selective beta1-adrenoceptor antagonist, has neuroprotective effect on kainic acid (KA)-induced retinal damage. Neurotoxicities were induced in adult male rats by intravitreal injection of KA (total amount, 6 nmol). To examine the neuroprotective effects of betaxolol, rats were pretreated with betaxolol topically 60 min before KA injection to the rat eyes and twice daily for 1, 3, and 7 days after KA injection.