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Nerve growth factor and the neostriatum
1Developmental Biology, Genetech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) plays a crucial role in mammalian neostriatal cholinergic neurons. NGF levels and neuron numbers decline with age and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is vital for the survival and function of neurons.
- The mammalian neostriatum contains intrinsic cholinergic neurons that are targets of NGF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expression, binding, transport, and function of NGF in the mammalian neostriatum.
- To explore the role of NGF in neurodevelopment, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases affecting the neostriatum.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NGF in the mammalian neostriatum.
- Analysis of studies examining NGF expression, immunoreactivity, binding, and transport.
- Evaluation of experimental data on NGF administration and its effects on cholinergic activity.
Main Results:
- NGF binding sites are co-localized with cholinergic neurons in the neostriatum.
- NGF levels and cholinergic neuron numbers change in parallel during development and aging.
- Exogenous NGF administration increases choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, while NGF antibodies decrease it.
- Cholinergic interneurons are lost in aging and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Conclusions:
- NGF is essential for the maintenance of cholinergic neurons in the mammalian neostriatum.
- Losses of neostriatal cholinergic neurons in aging and disease may be linked to NGF dysfunction.
- Further research is needed to determine if recombinant human NGF (rhNGF) can mitigate or reverse these cholinergic deficits.