NERVE GROWTH-FACTOR LEVELS IN NORMAL HUMAN SERA

NERVE growth factor (NGF) is the best characterized of the neurotrophi c factors, but there is incomplete information concerning its levels i n body fluids. Normal values of NGF in serum from 157 normal subjects were determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). A mean NGF level of 194 /- 25 pg ml(-1) was obtained. There were no statistically significant variations with age, but the NGF level was significantly lower in fema les (112 +/- 31 pg ml(-1)) than in males (243 +/- 35 pg ml(-1)).