Holtzman D M, Mobley W C
Dept of Neurology, UCSF School of Medicine 94143-0114.
West J Med. 1994 Sep;161(3):246-54.
Discovered only 40 years ago, nerve growth factor is the prototypic neurotrophic factor. By binding to specific receptors on certain neurons in the peripheral nervous system and brain, nerve growth factor acts to enhance their survival, differentiation, and maintenance. In recent years, many additional neurotrophic factors have been discovered; some are structurally related to nerve growth factor while others are distinct from it. The robust actions of neurotrophic factors have suggested their use in preventing or lessening the dysfunction and death of neurons in neurologic disorders. We review the progress in defining neurotrophic factors and their receptors and in characterizing their actions. We also discuss some of the uses of neurotrophic factors in animal models of disease. Finally, we discuss how neurotrophic factors could be implicated in the pathogenesis of neurologic disorders.
神经生长因子40年前才被发现，是典型的神经营养因子。通过与外周神经系统和大脑中某些神经元上的特定受体结合，神经生长因子发挥作用，增强这些神经元的存活、分化和维持能力。近年来，又发现了许多其他神经营养因子；有些在结构上与神经生长因子相关，而有些则与之不同。神经营养因子的强大作用表明它们可用于预防或减轻神经疾病中神经元的功能障碍和死亡。我们回顾了在确定神经营养因子及其受体以及表征其作用方面取得的进展。我们还讨论了神经营养因子在疾病动物模型中的一些应用。最后，我们讨论了神经营养因子如何可能与神经疾病的发病机制有关。
