Dr.DURGA SAHU

Dr. JAYASHREE DORA

Abstract

Rho-kinase is a serine/threonine kinase with a kinase domain which is constitutively active and is involved in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction and stress fibre formation. The use of Rho kinase inhibitors has been proven to be of benefit in the treatment of glaucoma, the healing of corneal endothelium, Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy and in progressive forms of diabetic retinopathy. They also act as anti-scarring agents and hence prevent post-operative scarring in glaucoma filtration surgery. Their major role involves axon regeneration by increasing the optic nerve blood flow which may be useful in treating the damaged optic neurons. These drugs act directly on the neurons in the central visual pathway, interrupting the RGC apoptosis and therefore serve as a novel pharmacological approach for glaucoma neuroprotection. This poster provides comprehensive overview of use of Rho kinase inhibitors for the aforementioned purpose.