Lexic.us

Definition of Nerve growth factor

1. Noun. A protein that is involved in the growth of peripheral nerve cells.

Definition of Nerve growth factor

1. Noun. (protein) a functional protein complex required for the suvival, growth and specialization of certain types of neurons in vertebrates. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Nerve growth factor

1. A peptide (13.26 kD) of 118 amino acids (usually dimeric) with both chemotropic and chemotrophic properties for sympathetic and sensory neurons. Found in a variety of peripheral tissues, nerve growth factor attracts neurites to the tissues by chemotropism, where they form synapses. The successful neurons are then protected from neuronal death by continuing supplies of nerve growth factor. It is also found at exceptionally high levels in snake venom and male mouse submaxillary salivary glands, from which it is commercially extracted. Nerve growth factor was the first of a family of nerve tropic factors to be discovered. Amino acids 1-81 show homology with proinsulin. Besides its peripheral actions, nerve growth factor selectively enhances the growth of cholinergic neurons that project to the forebrain and that degenerate in Alzheimer's disease. Acronym: NGF This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)

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Literary usage of Nerve growth factor

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Molecular Neurobiology: Proceedings of the 2nd NIMH Conference by Steven Zalcman (1995)
"Greene, LA, and Tischler, AS Establishment of a noradrenergic clonal line of rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells which respond to nerve growth factor. ..."

2. Reviews in Environmental Health (1998): Toxicological Defense Mechanics edited by Gary E. R. Hook, George W. Lucier (2000)
"Ca2+ channels in nerve growth factor-differentiated pheochromocytoma cells. ... Local control of neurite development by nerve growth factor. ..."

3. A Lifelong Passion: Nicholas and Alexandra: Their Own Story by Andrei Maylunas (2005)
"... neurotransmitter analog nicotine, activates a program of gene expression distinct from that activated by nerve growth factor or epidermal growth factor. ..."

4. Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery by Caroline McNeil (1997)
"These pieces of evidence have given rise to the hypothesis that nerve growth factor and estrogen interact in some way to protect cholinergic neurons from ..."

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