Neurotrophins: from enthusiastic expectations through sobering experiences to rational therapeutic approaches
Hans Thoenen1
& Michael Sendtner2
1
Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Am Klopferspitz 18a, 82152 Martinsried−München, Germany
2
Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
Despite high enthusiasm, early attempts to develop clinical treatments based on animal research with neurotrophins were not successful. Here we survey clinical trials with neurotrophins, compared with neurotrophic factors of other gene families, and delineate the most likely reasons for their failure. We then suggest improved methods for regulated local supply of NTs to specific populations of neurons and discuss future therapeutic procedures evolving from the more detailed knowledge of the signal transduction pathways activated by neurotrophins via their receptors.
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REFERENCE Trophic Support Nature Encyclopaedia of Life Sciences
