NEUROTROPHINS

Neurotrophic factors have been studied predominantly in both, their re lation with survival and the differentiation of selective populations of neurons during embryonic development, and the maintenance of specif ic functions of those neurons in adulthood. During the last few years, a massive amount of experimental evidence has been accumulated, mainl y in relation with the neurotrophins-induced increase in the microtubu les and microfilaments polimerization rate; stimulation of the synthes is and secretion of several neurotransmitters and hormones; and in the activation of enzimes that play a central role in the control of cell ular metabolism. In this review we describe a brief history of the so- called Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), from its discovery in the 50's to th e most recent experimental reports, including all the neurotrophins di scovered until now focussing in the neurotrophins physiological role d uring adulthood and stressing the importance of molecular protection m echanisms against neurodegenerative processes.