Neurotrophic factors are materials (usually proteins) that enhance and support the growth and repair of nerve cells and fibers. Their effects on the regeneration of the central and peripheral nervous systems have been studied. They can be classified into two classes. The first class includes the neurotrophin family (the neurotrophins) such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5). Second and outside the neurotrophin family are other factors of importance such as glial cell line-derived growth factor (GDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF, bFGF).
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) have a well-pronounced effect on promoting motor neuron survival and outgrowth. On the other hand, nerve growth factor (NGF) and, to a large extent, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) have an appreciable effect on sensory neuron survival and outgrowth, spinal cord regeneration, peripheral nerve regeneration, and sensory nerve growth across the PNS-CNS transition zone.
Although it is clear that neurotrophic factors can promote a variety of neural responses, in vivo responses can be affected significantly by the delivery technique used.
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