Dendrite plasticity in the lateral geniculate nucleus in primate glaucoma

Neural degeneration in glaucoma involves retinal ganglion cells and neurons of their major target, the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Dendrites of relay LGN neurons projecting to the visual cortex were studied by immunocytochemical and quantitative Sholl analysis in combination with confocal microscopy and 3D-morphometry. In non-human adult primate glaucoma, relay LGN neurons showed reduced dendrite complexity and length, and these changes were modified by NMDA receptor blockade. Dendrite plasticity of LGN relay neurons in adult primate glaucoma has implications for potential disease modification by treatment interventions.

Research highlights
► A drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, helps vision centers in the brain in glaucoma.
► Memantine, an NMDA receptor open channel blocker, modifies dendrites of nerve cells in adult glaucoma.
► Plasticity of adult vision nerve cells in the brain with glaucoma has profound implications for glaucoma treatment.