Ouabain Counteracts Retinal Ganglion Cell Death Through Modulation of BDNF and IL-1 Signaling Pathways.

Ouabain is a steroid hormone that binds to the sodium pump (Na, K-ATPase) at physiological (nanomolar) concentrations, activating different signaling pathways. This interaction has been shown to prevent the axotomy-induced death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated potential mechanisms by which ouabain promotes RGC survival using primary cultures of rat neural retina.

Ouabain and BDNF Crosstalk on Ganglion Cell Survival in Mixed Retinal Cell Cultures.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a well-known and well-studied neurotrophin. Most biological effects of BDNF are mediated by the activation of TrkB receptors. This neurotrophin regulates several neuronal functions as cell proliferation, viability, and differentiation.