The neurotrophic factors that influence the development and function of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system are obscure. Recently, neurturin has been found to provide trophic support to neurons of the cranial parasympathetic ganglion. Here we show that GDNF signaling via the RET/GFR(alpha)1 complex is crucial for the development of cranial parasympathetic ganglia includin...

The genes encoding each of the known neurotrophins and their receptors have been targeted in mice. As predicted by earlier studies, each mutation results in loss of specific classes of peripheral neurons. Apoptosis during the period of naturally occurring cell death appears to be responsible for many of these losses. In some cases, deficits may reflect earlier abnormalities in precursor prolife...

S INCE the pioneering discoveries of nerve growth factor (24) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) ~ (8), it has become clear that polypeptide growth factors play a crucial role in the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of eukaryotic cells. Since then, many new growth factors have been discovered; some of them exert their biological effects on specific cell lineages, while others have br...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of topically applied autologous plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) as a treatment for persistent epithelial defects (PEDs) of the cornea. METHODS A series of prospective noncomparative cases. PARTICIPANTS Twenty eyes from 18 patients with PED with various underlying etiopathologies: neurogenic, iatrogenic, associated with burning or secondary to severe d...

Objective(s): The purpose of this study is to investigate the indication function of the calcium circulation-related factors on the damage to muscle strength and contraction function after nerve injury. The target factors include ryanodine receptor (RyR), inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R), phospholamban (PLN), cryptocalcitonin (CASQ), ATPase and troponin C (T...

Peripheral nerve injuries result in loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions of the denervated limb, but are also accompanied by positive symptoms, such as hyperreflexia, hyperalgesia and pain. Strategies to improve functional recovery after neural injuries have to address the enhancement of axonal regeneration and target reinnervation and also the modulation of the abnormal plasticity of...

The trigeminal system is a well-characterized sensory system that has been studied extensively in mammals and birds. The clear definition and easy accessibility of the components of this system throughout development have facilitated investigation of several fundamental aspects of neural development. This has led to important advances in our understanding of the mechanism of axonal guidance, th...

BRAINSTORMS is a monthly section of The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry aimed at providing updates of novel concepts emerging from the neurosciences that have relevance to the practicing psychiatrist. From the Clinical Neuroscience Research Center in San Diego and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego. Reprint requests to: Stephen M. Stahl, M.D., Ph.D., Editor, B...

Nerve injuries are common, and the available treatments including invasive surgeries do not guarantee complete regeneration of injured nerves restoration function. Despite ability peripheral to regenerate, slow rate axonal growth hampers functional recovery. Development new approaches discover underlying mechanisms that may accelerate is needed overcome these limitations augment nerve injury. I...