Nerve growth factor in the equine joint

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin with many functions. In humans, it involved in inflammation, nerve growth, apoptosis and pain signalling. Increased concentrations of NGF synovial fluid has been shown humans dogs osteoarthritis. Despite osteoarthritis being common problem horses, no studies have previously published on the equine joint. The aim this study was to quantify from healthy joints, acutely inflamed septic joints structural changes associated A secondary identify localisation its two receptors, TrkA p75NTR, osteoarthritic articular cartilage. (n = 27), 9) 16) were determined by ELISA. addition, cartilage examined for NGF, p75NTR using immunohistochemistry staining. present Compared concentration higher (P 0.032) or acute inflammation 0.006). severe changes, there more abundant positive staining receptors than normal Further should focus identifying precursor forms receptor expression downstream signalling P75NTR health disease.