NGF and Alzheimer's disease--considerations and caveats.
The proposed use of NGF in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is based on recent experimental evidence suggesting that NGF is a neurotrophic factor for basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Although potentially efficacious, the effects of NGF in the setting of Alzheimer's disease have not been determined. A cause for concern is the recently demonstrated effect of NGF on amyloid synthesis raising the possibility that NGF could exacerbate the underlying pathology. Several issues relevant to the design of a clinical trial for NGF in Alzheimer's disease are addressed.
Yankner
B A
BA
Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology*
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors