Exogenous stimulation of NGF synthesis by catecholamines and their analogues.

In humans different problems are associated with the direct application of neurotrophic factors like e.g. nerve growth factor (NGF). Therefore increasing attention has been focused on the concept of pharmacological stimulation of endogenous synthesis of trophic factors. For various compounds, especially catecholamines and their analogues, it has been demonstrated that induction of synthesis of NGF in glial and neuronal cells is possible. However, further experiments are necessary to confirm these results under in vivo conditions and to ensure safe and efficient clinical application.