Ganglion cell loss after optic nerve crush mediated through AMPA-kainate and NMDA receptors

PURPOSE. Glutamate antagonists can block ganglion cell death due to optic n erve crush. Although most investigators have focused on blockade of the N-m ethyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor, we have chosen to e valuate the efficacy of blockade of the AMPA-kainate (KA) receptor in this experimental paradigm. METHODS. The optic nerves of rats were crushed, and ganglion cell survival was assessed. Groups of animals were treated with an NMDA antagonist, an AM PA-KA antagonist, or both. RESULTS. The AMPA-KA antagonist DNQX was more effective, although not addit ive in preserving retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve crush than the N MDA antagonist MK801. CONCLUSIONS. Activation of the AMPA-KA subtype of glutamate receptor map pl ay a role in glutamate-mediated cell death after optic nerve crush.