Neurotrophic factors: effects in modulating properties of the neuromuscular endplate.
Besides their function in supporting neuronal survival, neurotrophic factors influence various functional properties of responsive neurons. In particular the role of these molecules in activity-mediated synaptic modulation has attracted great interest. Motoneurons and their specific synapses with muscle cells, the neuromuscular endplates, are well-characterized structures which have been known for long to depend on trophic support, at least during development. This review summarizes recent findings about the role of neurotrophic factors in modulating synaptic efficacy of neuromuscular synapses, both in an activity-dependent and -independent fashion.
Klinische Forschergruppe Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Germany. sendtner@mail.uni-wurzburg.de
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D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins