Nerve Growth Factor in Neurological and Non-Neurological Diseases: Basic Findings and Emerging Pharmacological Prospectives

Title: Nerve Growth Factor in Neurological and Non-Neurological Diseases: Basic Findings and Emerging Pharmacological Prospectives

Volume: 7 Issue: 2

Author(s): Luigi Aloe, Paola Tirassa and Luisa Bracci-Laudiero

Affiliation:

Abstract: Nerve growth factor (NGF) is known to be essential for the s u rvival of peripheral and brain neurons, and according tomore rcent studies alsofor a variety of cells localized in the immune system. Basic and preclinical findings published in the last 15 - 20 years have prospected the hypothesis that NGF can be pharmaceutically useful for promoting healing in certain peripheral and central neurological insults. We have recently provided evidence that NGF applied topically , has a therapeutic potentiality for human corneal and pressure ulcers , and more recently in vasculitis induced by rheumatoid arthritis. This review will summarize previous and ongoing evidence supporting the role of NGF in the nervous and immune system and discuss NGF potentiality as a pharmacological tool for basic and clinical studies.

Cite this article as:

Luigi Aloe , Paola Tirassa and Luisa Bracci-Laudiero , Nerve Growth Factor in Neurological and Non-Neurological Diseases: Basic Findings and Emerging Pharmacological Prospectives, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2001; 7 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612013398383