Neurotrophins, Nociceptors, And Pain

    May 1999 in “ Microscopy Research and Technique ”
    Lorne M. Mendell, Kathryn M. Albers, Brian M. Davis
    TLDR Neurotrophins, especially NGF, are crucial for pain development and management.
    The document reviewed the role of neurotrophins, particularly nerve growth factor (NGF), in nociceptor development and pain mechanisms. It highlighted NGF's essential role in nociceptor survival during prenatal development and postnatal phenotype expression. In adults, NGF contributed to inflammatory pain by causing peripheral and central sensitization. Other neurotrophins like NT-3, BDNF, and NT-4/5, as well as molecules from other superfamilies like GDNF, also played significant roles in nociceptor development and pain. The study emphasized the broad importance of neurotrophins in nociceptive processing and nervous system function, suggesting that manipulating NGF levels or blocking its receptors could offer new pain management strategies.
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