Nerve Growth Factor in Neurological and Non-Neurological Diseases: Basic Findings and Emerging Pharmacological Prospectives

Authors: Aloe, L.; Tirassa, P.; Laudiero, L.B.

Source: Current Pharmaceutical Design, Volume 7, Number 2, 1 January 2001 , pp. 113-123(11)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is known to be essential for the survival of peripheral and brain neurons, and according to more recent studies alsofor a variety of cells localized in the immune system. Basic and preclinical findings published in the last 15-20 years have prospected the hypothesis that NGF can be pharmaceutically useful for promoting healing in certain peripheral and central neurological insults. We have recently provided evidence that NGF applied topically, has a therapeutic potentiality for human corneal and pressure ulcers, and more recently in vasculitis induced by rheumatoid arthritis. This review will summarize previous and ongoing evidence supporting the role of NGF in the nervous and immune system and discuss NGF potentiality as a pharmacological tool for basic and clinical studies.

Keywords: Nerve Growth Factor; Neurological Diseases; Brain derived neurotrophic factor; NGF target cells; Vasculoprotective effects; Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons; NGF Immune; Autoimmune Diseases; Autoantibodies against NGf; Non human primate brain; Downs sindrome; Proinflammatory cytokines