Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotropic polypeptide necessary for the survival and growth of some central neurons, as well as sensory afferent and sympathetic neurons. Much is now known of the structural and functional characteristics of NGF, whose gene has recently been cloned. Since it is synthesized in largest amounts by the male mouse submandibular gland, its role exclusively in nerve gr...

The interaction of homogeneous preparations of mouse submandibular gland nerve growth factor (NGF) with the classical complement pathway was studied. NGF was found to be capable of carrying out the enzyme activities of the first component (C1-) of the classical complement pathway (i.e., the cleavage of zymogen C4 and C2). NGF would not substitute for any other classical pathway component, C2-C9...

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) on motor neurons after induction of a facial nerve lesion, and to compare the effects of different routes of NGF injection on motor neuron survival. METHODS This study was carried out in the Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, China Medical University, Liaoning, China from October 2012 to March 2013. Male Wistar rats (...

The intact sciatic nerve contains levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) that are comparable to those of densely innervated peripheral target tissues of NGF-responsive (sympathetic and sensory) neurons. There, the high NGF levels are reflected by correspondingly high mRNANGF levels. In the intact sciatic nerve, mRNANGF levels were very low, thus indicating that the contribution of locally synthesi...

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the first described neurotrophin that stimulates the growth and differentiation of nerve cells and promotes skin and peripheral tissue regeneration. Recent studies suggest that NGF influences endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenic activity. In view of these proposed regenerative effects, we evaluated the efficacy of subcutaneous administration of highly purif...

Despite nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction (ED) prevail, and preventing neurodegeneration is of great importance. Neurotrophic factors and neurite outgrowth were characterized in major pelvic ganglia (MPG) following bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). Young male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sham or BCNI surgery, and the intracavernosal pressure to m...

Studies on the neurobiology of nerve growth factor (NGF) reveal a diverse range of actions. Through alterations in gene expression, NGF is important in maintaining and regulating the phenotype of neurons that express the high-affinity receptor, trkA. Nerve growth factor also has a rapid action, revealed by its role in pain signaling in bladder and in skin. In the central nervous system (CNS), N...