Nerve Growth Factor

Also known as:  NGF

Nerve Growth Factor is a type of Neurotrophic Growth Factor Hormone that is chemically similar to Epidermal GrowthFactor (EGF).  Chemically NGF is a Polypeptide.

Nervous System

 NGF stimulates the outgrowth of Axons.

 NGF deficiency may be implicated in Alzheimer's Disease.  ^[1]

 Researchers are currently exploring a treatment involving the direct infusion of exogenous NGF into the Brains of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Intracranial infusion of 6.6 mg of NGF to an Alzheimer’s Disease patients caused improvement in a number of impaired Brain functions caused by Alzheimer’s Disease (including Memory improvement).

 NGF is essential for Learning to occur and exogenous NGF may increase Learning ability:  ^[2]

 In one study, when old rats were injected with NGF they acquired Learning ability equivalent to that of young rats.

 NGF levels are approximately 40% higher during the initial phases of intense romantic Love.  ^[3]

 Exogenous NGF may reverse Alcohol (ethanol)-induced Memory impairment.  ^[4]

 NGF may stimulate the synthesis of endogenous Proteins that lead to the growth of new Neurons including their Dendrites:  ^[5]

 NGF may reverse the damage caused to the Brain's Neurons by Alcoholism(recent research has shown that Alcoholism may not permanently kill Neurons - but may just "disconnect" them.  Research using synthetic NGF is proceeding on animals).

 NGF stimulates the growth of Cholinergic Neurons (i.e. Neurons that are stimulated by Acetylcholine).  ^[6]

 Recombinant, synthetic Nerve Growth Factor is presently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of Neuropathy (it is speculated that exogenous NGF may stimulate regeneration of damaged Nerves in Neuropathy patients).