A neurotrophic rationale for the therapy of neurodegenerative disorders.
The concept and rationale for neuroprotection are presented. Several examples of small molecule neurotrophic agents with favourable drug-like and pharmacological properties are shown. Compound efficacy in acute neurodegenerative models (optic nerve axotomy) and chronic neurodegenerative models (glaucoma, age-associated cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's Disease) are evaluated and discussed. Targeting neurotrophin receptors with ligands that activate survival pathways or inhibit death pathways is an alternative worth pursuing.
Saragovi
H Uri
HU
Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Uri.Saragovi@mcgill.ca
Hamel
Edith
E
Di Polo
Adriana
A
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020221:Optic Nerve Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor