NEUROTROPHIC FACTORS AND NEUROLOGIC DISEASE

Discovered only 40 years ago, nerve growth factor is the prototypic ne urotrophic 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; som e are structurally related to nerve growth factor while others are dis tinct from it. The robust actions of neurotrophic factors have suggest ed their use in preventing or lessening the dysfunction and death of n eurons in neurologic disorders. We review the progress in defining neu rotrophic factors and their receptors and in characterizing their acti ons. We also discuss some of the uses of neurotrophic factors in anima l models of disease. Finally, we discuss how neurotrophic factors coul d be implicated in the pathogenesis of neurologic disorders.