The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) is the thalamic relay of retinal inputs to the visual cortex. It contains a rich array of brain terminals, which modulate the visual signals to the cortex. Several data have documented that beside cholinergic, GABA-nergic, istaminergic, serotoninergic, and glutamatergic signals, the LGN contains also fibers and interneurons expressing the enzyme that produces nitric oxide (NO). Here, we review the documented physiological roles of NO in the transmission of visual inputs to the cortex and in the processes of activity-dependent refinement of LGN connections. Moreover we focus on the recently suggested role of NO in processes of neurotoxicity in the LGN. Particular relevance is given to studies documenting that, through an excitotoxic cascade, NO triggers apoptosis in the LGN of new-born rats deprived of vision in one eye. Data are also discussed on a possible role of NO in the mechanisms of LGN neuronal loss induced by glaucoma. We believe that a better understanding of the role of NO in the LGN may contribute to discover new experimental strategies for the treatment of degenerative ophthalmic diseases.

Nucci, C., Morrone, L., Rombolà, L., Nistico', R.g., Piccirilli, S., Cerulli, L. (2003). Multifaceted roles of nitric oxide in the lateral geniculate nucleus: from visual signal transduction to neuronal apoptosis. TOXICOLOGY LETTERS, 139(2-3), 163-173 [10.1016/S0378-4274(02)00430-7].

Multifaceted roles of nitric oxide in the lateral geniculate nucleus: from visual signal transduction to neuronal apoptosis

NUCCI, CARLO;NISTICO', ROBERT GIOVANNI;PICCIRILLI, SILVIA;CERULLI, LUCIANO
2003-04-04

Abstract

The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) is the thalamic relay of retinal inputs to the visual cortex. It contains a rich array of brain terminals, which modulate the visual signals to the cortex. Several data have documented that beside cholinergic, GABA-nergic, istaminergic, serotoninergic, and glutamatergic signals, the LGN contains also fibers and interneurons expressing the enzyme that produces nitric oxide (NO). Here, we review the documented physiological roles of NO in the transmission of visual inputs to the cortex and in the processes of activity-dependent refinement of LGN connections. Moreover we focus on the recently suggested role of NO in processes of neurotoxicity in the LGN. Particular relevance is given to studies documenting that, through an excitotoxic cascade, NO triggers apoptosis in the LGN of new-born rats deprived of vision in one eye. Data are also discussed on a possible role of NO in the mechanisms of LGN neuronal loss induced by glaucoma. We believe that a better understanding of the role of NO in the LGN may contribute to discover new experimental strategies for the treatment of degenerative ophthalmic diseases.
4-apr-2003
Pubblicato
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Esperti anonimi
Settore BIO/14 - FARMACOLOGIA
Settore MED/30 - MALATTIE APPARATO VISIVO
English
Nitric Oxide; Animals; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Apoptosis; Glaucoma; Neurons; Geniculate Bodies; Visual Perception; Signal Transduction
Nucci, C., Morrone, L., Rombolà, L., Nistico', R.g., Piccirilli, S., Cerulli, L. (2003). Multifaceted roles of nitric oxide in the lateral geniculate nucleus: from visual signal transduction to neuronal apoptosis. TOXICOLOGY LETTERS, 139(2-3), 163-173 [10.1016/S0378-4274(02)00430-7].
Nucci, C; Morrone, L; Rombolà, L; Nistico', Rg; Piccirilli, S; Cerulli, L
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/64768
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