ABSTRACT
Target-derived growth factors that regulate neuronal survival and differentiation, and maintain neuronal phenotype may be of critical importance for normal development and mature function of the central nervous system (CNS). This chapter describes the main physiological features of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the CNS. It explains the molecular structure of the NGF receptors and their functional properties and interaction. The chapter summarizes the current knowledge on the effect of NGF on basal forebrain and striatal cholinergic neurons. Degenerative changes in the basal forebrain cholinergic system have been suggested to play a critical role in the development of dementia in Alzheimer’s disease. The finding that NGF plays a role in trophic support of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons has provoked speculation that a decline in NGF-related mechanisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and that agents mimicking its function may be beneficial for the clinical treatment of this disease.
