Neurotrophins: from enthusiastic expectations through sobering experiences to rational therapeutic approaches.
Despite high enthusiasm, early attempts to develop clinical treatments based on animal research with neurotrophins were not successful. Here we survey clinical trials with neurotrophins, compared with neurotrophic factors of other gene families, and delineate the most likely reasons for their failure. We then suggest improved methods for regulated local supply of NTs to specific populations of neurons and discuss future therapeutic procedures evolving from the more detailed knowledge of the signal transduction pathways activated by neurotrophins via their receptors.
Thoenen
Hans
H
Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Am Klopferspitz 18a, 82152 Martinsried-München, Germany.
Sendtner
Michael
M
D000818:Animals; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends*; D015195:Drug Design; D004341:Drug Evaluation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends*; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017211:Treatment Failure
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors