Plasticity, pathology, and Alzheimer's disease.
Much basic data support the notion that growth factors are important in the maintenance and repair of the CNS. Although local increases in growth factors might contribute to aberrant growth and senile plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the administration of growth factor inhibitors as a therapeutic intervention would be predicted to decrease the vulnerability of remaining healthy neurons. The administration of neurotrophic agents in AD may help to protect and maintain neurons, and thereby minimize neuronal death and the resultant sprouting response.
Geddes
J W
JW
Division of Neurosurgery, University of California, Irvine 92717.
Cotman
C W
CW
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors