NGF REGULATORY ROLE IN STRESS AND COPING OF RODENTS AND HUMANS

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a polypeptide growth factor which exerts trophic and differentiative effects on specific peripheral and central populations of neurons. Recent data showing that various cellular typ es of the endocrine and immune systems are able to synthesize and rele ase NGF have suggested that this neurotrophic factor may also play an important role in vertebrate physiologic homeostasis. Previous studies using a mouse model of aggressive behavior have shown that NGF levels increase in both plasma and the CNS following intermale agonistic enc ounters. More recently, we have extended this research area to include other species: in particular, humans. The data now available indicate that labour and lactation, or the occurrence of a stressful event suc h as the very first jump with a parachute causes an increase in NGF pl asma levels as well as changes in the distribution of NGF receptors on lymphocytes. This review aimed to outline the current understanding o f NGF role in vertebrates in stress-related events.