Nerve repair: experimental and clinical evaluation of neurotrophic factors in peripheral nerve regeneration.
Neurotrophic factors are a family of polypeptides required for survival of discrete neuronal populations. In the normal state such factors are mostly synthesised by target tissues and are used for the viability of the nerve-cell bodies. After nerve injury, neurotrophic factors (NFs) are synthesised by non-neuronal (Schwann cells and fibroblasts) in the nerve trunk, and act to support the outgrowth of axons. NFs can be classified into three major groups: (1) neurotrophins; (2) neurokines; and (3) the transforming growth factor beta (TGF)-beta superfamily.
Johnson
Elizabeth O
EO
Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, 45110 Ioannina, Greece. ejohnson@cc.uoi.gr
Charchanti
Antonia
A
Soucacos
Panayotis N
PN
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors