Nerve Growth Factor and Neuroimmune Responses: Basic and Clinical Observations.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a polypeptide that in addition to its effecton survival of peripheral and brain neuron acts also on a variety of cellslocalized in the immune system. We have recently shown that the constitutivelevels of NGF undergo trough significant changes during inflammatory conditionsand in neuroimmune pathologies. We have also reported that autoimmune inflammatorydisorders are characterized by a disregulation of synthesis and utilizationof NGF. Though the mechanisms implicated in these events are not yet known,there emerging evidence indicating this polypeptide can play an importantrole in healing processes within the nervous and cutaneous tissues and ininflammatory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]