[The history of the theory of nervous trophism]

Concepts "trophism" and "nervous trophism", development of views on trophic function of the nervous system and its disorders (neurogenic dystrophies) are reviewed. The problem on the ways of the trophic effects of the nervous system on the tissues is considered. The role of neuromediators in this process, particularly the significance of balance of norepinephrine, (NE), a mediator of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), for maintaining trophism of tissues, their structure and functions is emphasized. The activating role of SNS and NE in the resistance and reparative regeneration of different tissues is shown under the experimental and clinical conditions. In this view a comprehensive definition of concepts "nervous trophism" is given.