Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) initially interested neurobiologists because of its effects in the developing nervous system. It is now clear that NGF functions throughout the life of the animal with a wide repertoire of actions. In the sensory nervous system it primarily influences the structure and function of nociceptors. Here, we provide a brief review of these actions and raise the overriding biological questions of why these multiple actions occur and how they are carried out.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Afferent Pathways / cytology
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Afferent Pathways / growth & development
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Afferent Pathways / metabolism*
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Animals
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Cell Differentiation / drug effects
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Cell Differentiation / physiology
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Ganglia, Spinal / cytology
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Ganglia, Spinal / growth & development
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Ganglia, Spinal / metabolism
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Humans
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Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism*
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Nerve Growth Factor / pharmacology
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Neurons, Afferent / cytology
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Neurons, Afferent / drug effects
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Neurons, Afferent / metabolism*
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Nociceptors / cytology
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Nociceptors / growth & development
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Nociceptors / metabolism*
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Phenotype
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Receptor, trkA / drug effects
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Receptor, trkA / metabolism
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Receptors, Drug / drug effects
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Receptors, Drug / metabolism
Substances
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Receptors, Drug
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Nerve Growth Factor
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Receptor, trkA