ABSTRACT
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are heparin-binding proteins that were initially characterized as mitogenic and angiogenic factors. This chapter discusses both the therapeutic value of the FGFs as well as strategies for their application. It focuses on those effects of FGFs which might be relevant for the development of therapeutic strategies of nerve injury or disorder. FGFs and FGF receptors display a widespread distribution in the brain and spinal cord under normal conditions. Different ways of using FGFs as therapeutics can be suggested. FGF-2 stimulates proliferation of precursor cells from the adult mouse brain. In addition to FGF-2, two other members of the FGF family, FGF-1 and FGF-4, have been shown to display regenerative potential in vivo. Analysis of the neurotrophic capacities of the higher molecular weight FGF-2 isoforms and of the FGF homologous factors could provide a more effective FGF molecule for injured central neurons.
