Methods and Compositions for Preserving the Viability of Photoreceptor Cells

Abstract

Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells following retinal detachment. The viability of photoreceptor cells can be preserved by administering an apoptosis inhibitor to a mammal having an eye with retinal detachment. The apoptosis inhibitor maintains the viability of the photoreceptor cells until such time that the retina becomes reattached to the underlying retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. The treatment minimizes the loss of vision, which otherwise may occur as a result of retinal detachment.

1 . A method of preserving the viability of photoreceptor cells disposed within a retina of a mammalian eye following retinal detachment, the method comprising:
 administering to a mammal having an eye in which a region of the retina has been detached an amount of an apoptosis inhibitor sufficient to preserve the viability of photoreceptor cells disposed within the region of the detached retina.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor is administered to the mammal prior to reattachment of the region of detached retina. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor is administered to the mammal after reattachment of the region of detached retina. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor is administered locally or systemically. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of apoptosis inhibitors are administered to the mammal. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein at least one apoptosis inhibitor is administered by intraocular, intravitreal, or transcleral administration. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor reduces the number of photoreceptor cells in the region that die following retinal detachment relative to the number of photoreceptor cells that die in the absence of the apoptosis inhibitor. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein, prior to administration of the apoptosis inhibitor, the photoreceptor cells undergo apoptotic cell death in the region following retinal detachment. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor is capable of modulating the activity of a caspase selected from the group consisting of caspase 3, caspase 7, caspase 8, and caspase 9. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor is a caspase inhibitor. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor modulates FAS receptor activity. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor is an anti-FAS antibody or an anti-FAS receptor antibody. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises administering a neuroprotective agent. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the photoreceptor cells comprise rods and cones. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the retinal detachment occurs as a result of a retinal tear, retinoblastoma, melanoma, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, choroidal neovascularization, retinal ischemia, pathologic myopia, or trauma. 
     
     
         16 . A method of preserving the viability of photoreceptor cells disposed within a retina of a mammalian eye following retinal detachment, the method comprising:
 administering to a mammal having an eye in which a region of the retina has been detached an amount of a caspase inhibitor sufficient to preserve the viability of photoreceptor cells disposed within the region of the detached retina.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the caspase inhibitor is administered to the mammal prior to reattachment of the region of detached retina. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the caspase inhibitor is administered to the mammal after reattachment of the region of detached retina. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the caspase inhibitor is administered locally or systemically. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the caspase inhibitor is administered by intraocular, intravitreal, subretinal, or transcleral administration. 
     
     
         21 - 29 . (canceled)