Inhibition of Apoptosis and Reduction of Intracellular pH Decrease in Retinal Neural Cell Cultures by a Blocker of Carbonic Anhydrase

Abstract

Purpose. Methylglyoxal and glyoxal are intermediates of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These substances, as well as hydrogen peroxide, induce retinal neurons to reduce their intracellular pH and augment their production of reactive oxygen species, leading to apoptosis. Because these processes may play a role in diabetic retinopathy, the authors undertook this study to investigate the protective action of dorzolamide, an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, on retinal neural cells.