What is a neural growth factor?

NEURON Growth factor, commonly referred to as a nervous growth factor or NGF, is a type of protein naturally produced in living organisms, which is important for vertebrate nervous systems. It is essential for the survival and development of nerve cells in sensory and sympathetic parts of the nervous system. NGF is part of a larger category of molecules called neurotrophins, which also include a neurotrophic factor derived from the brain, neurotrophin-3 and neurotrophin-4, all of which are involved in the development or maintenance of the nervous system. Nerve growth factors are sometimes used to indicate all neurotrophin types.

Sensory neurons detect sensory stimuli from environment such as light, vibration, pressure, etc. and convert them into nerve signals. These are then transferred to the central nervous system, where the brain is interpreted and translated into familiar mental experiences of images, sounds, and other feelings. Sympathetic nervous system extends to most organs of the body and is involved in the regulation of many NedHuge functions that maintain the functioning of the body, including heart rate, breathing and digestion. During stress or danger, it is also necessary for physiological changes to create a reaction of the fight or flight. The role of neuron growth factor in the maintenance of these systems is essential for human life.

The neural growth factor molecules bind to proteins called receptors on the cellular membranes of sympathetic and sensory neurons. It is known that it binds to two types of receptors, commonly called low affinity growth factor receptors (LNGFR) and receptors with high affinity nervous growth factor (Trka). Molecules of neural growth factor cause axon nerve cells, a structure that transmits electrical nerve pulses Through cell, growth and branching. It also prevents the occurring programmed cell death or apoptosis in cells.

neuron growth fThe actuator is the subject of a role research played in many health problems and its possible medical use. It has shown the ability to promote peripheral nerve regeneration in animal tests and can also be able to repair damage to the insulation material of nerve axons called myelin, which causes symptoms of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Reduced NGF levels are also associated with mental disorders such as anorexia of nervous and schizophrenia, as well as some cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

Emotion biochemistry also includes the growth factor of neurons. People who fall in love have dramatically increased NGF levels for the first year of a romantic relationship compared to people who are free or in long -term relationships. Research in this area is still in its early stages, and the psychological effects of NGF are not yet fully understood.