The response of brain tissue to neurotrophins during rat development was examined using a novel in vitro assay for Trk/neurotrophin receptor activity. In this assay, brain tissues were exposed to neutrophins and ligand-induced Trk tyrosine phosphorylation was measured. During the perinatal period, Trk tyrosine phsphorylation in all brain area was induced very similarly by the TrkB and TrkC liga...

The Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is the prototypic member of the neurotrophin (NT) family, which plays an essential role in the development and functioning of the vertebrate nervous system. Although originally defined by their actions on neuronal survival and differentiation in the peripheral (PNS) and central nervous systems (CNS), accumulating data indicate the presence of extensive interactions...

The aim of this review is to report recent findings and ongoing studies on the effects of acupuncture on endogenous biological mediators, in particular on neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique and is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Western descriptions of the clinical efficacy of acupunc...

Models of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, whether in the context of development or of learning and memory, have long postulated the existence of extracellular signal-ing molecules that enhance and stabilize active synapses. In recent years, neurotrophic factors have emerged as attractive candidates for such signaling molecules. The work of several laboratories has shown that neurotrophi...

Nerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophin family, is crucial for survival of nociceptive neurons during development. Recently, it has been shown to play an important role in nociceptive function in adults. NGF is up-regulated after inflammatory injury of the skin. Administration of exogenous NGF either systemically or in the skin causes thermal hyperalgesia within minutes. Mast ce...

We have recently demonstrated that embryonic E16 hippocampal neurons grown in cultures are unable to form fast synaptic connections unless treated with BDNF or NT-3. This experimental system offers an opportunity to define the roles of neurotrophins in processes leading to formation of functional synaptic connections. We have used ultrastructural and electrophysiological methods to explore the ...