title: Neurotrophins: Role in Placental Growth and Development.
abstract: Neurotrophins, a family of closely related proteins, were originally identified as growth factors for survival, development, and function of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Subsequently, neurotrophins have been shown to have functions in immune and reproductive systems. Neurotrophins like nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known to play an important role during pregnancy in the process of placental angiogenesis and maturation. Several studies have demonstrated the presence of neurotrophins in the human placenta. The current chapter reviews studies demonstrating the role of neurotrophins during pregnancy particularly in placental development. This chapter also focuses on the regional changes in neurotrophins in the human placenta and its interactions with other growth factors. Future research is needed to understand the mechanisms through which neurotrophins influence the growth and development of the placenta and pregnancy outcome.
authors.affiliation: Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Sahay
authors.affiliation: Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Sundrani
authors.affiliation: Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India. Electronic address: srjoshi62@gmail.com.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Joshi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010929:Placentation; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D009414:Nerve Growth Factors
keywords: Angiogenic factors; Matrix metalloproteinases; Neurotrophins; Oxidative stress; Placenta; Preeclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy complications