Research advances in retinal neuroprotective effects of minocycline

Minocycline is a second-generation semisynthetic tetracycline.It has orally bioavailable,high liposolubility and a proven safety record in human,can cross the blood-brain barrier.It has predominant neuroprotective effect in many central nervous system and retinal diseases.In the retina,microglia become activated in various forms of retinal diseases.The primary mechanism of minocycline action is the inhibition of the activation of microglia and caspase-3.This article reviews the mechanism of neuroprotection by minocycline and neuroprotective effect in retinal disease.