Growth of nerve cells

Cell studies on scaffolds of nano- and submicrometer-scaled fibers have shown that these dimensions promote not only cell adhesion, but also have beneficial effects on proliferation and differentiation of cells [174-177], These effects are more prominent with decreasing fiber diameters. It seems relevant that the cells can be guided and bridged by the artificial fibers. Meshes with aligned fibers are particularly promising, e.g., for guiding the growth of nerve cells (Fig. 8) [178],... 

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a polypeptide, a molecule composed of several amino acid units that has a protein-like behavior, but is not as complex as a protein in structure. NGF increases the growth of nerve cells, especially those in the peripheral nervous system, and directs the growth and orientation of nerve cell axons (processes which carry impulses away from the nerve cell body to adjoining dendrites). NGF is one of many growth factors found to be essential in cell division (mitosis), and has been isolated from a variety of cells such as mouse salivary glands and developing nerve tissue. The behavior of NGF resembles that of polypeptide hormones such as insnlin. 

These results and interest of this group in repairing the central nervous system prompted the pursuit of a study of the ability of chitosan and certain chitosan-derived materials to facilitate the growth of nerve cells. Results of this study led to the conclusion that ... 

C.5H24N207S, Mr 376.43, mp. 236-238 C (decomp.), lnerve cells) y-lactam thioester from strep-tomycete cultures. The biosynthesis proceeds from iso-butyrate/L-valine, L-leucine, and L-cysteine. L. is a... 

The scaffolds were able to support the growth of nerve cells in vitro. In animal [47]... 

Similarly, apolipoprotein E expression increases in neurotoxicity mediated by KA (Table 6.3) (Boschert et al., 1999). Apolipoprotein E is a major lipoprotein in the brain. It is involved in the transport, distribution, and other aspects of cholesterol homeostasis. Apolipoprotein E also plays a dominant role in the mobilization and redistribution of brain lipids in repair, growth, and maintenance of nerve cells (Mahley, 1988). The secretion of apolipoproteins E and D may be differentially regulated in cultured astrocytes. In cell culture systems this depends upon the extracellular lipid milieu (Patel et al., 1995). During neurotoxicity mediated by KA, apolipoprotein E levels increase moderately in astrocytes and apolipoprotein E mRNA increases very strongly in clusters of CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons. Based on hybridization in situ and immunohistochemical studies, expression of apolipoprotein E in neurons may be a part of a rescue program to counteract neurodegeneration mediated by KA (Boschert et al., 1999). 

D. F., et al. (2004) Restricted growth of Schwann cells lacking Cajal bands slows conduction in myelinated nerves. Nature 431, 191-195. 

Nerve growth factor, NGF, was the first member of a family of growth factors of nerve cells. It was discovered by the Italian neurobiologist Rita Levi-Montalcini. Its active form... 

Even without the release of chemical species, CEPs have also been demonstrated to be potentially very useful materials for tissue-engineering scaffolds.123 Electrical stimulation of CEPs was found to promote favorable cell growth, including nerve cells, leading to the development of CEPs for a range of implant applications. 

The continued availability of adequate trophic support appears to be crucial not only for the development of nerve cells and their interconnecting circuitry, but also for the maintenance of neurons and their synapses in the adult (31). There is considerable evidence that diffusible, target-derived trophic factors play important roles in the development of specific retinal cell types. In particular, the neurotrophins [nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin (NT)-3 and NT-4/5] have received considerable attention for their potential roles in both developing and adult nervous systems (66,67). 

Neurotropic factors (NTFs) are known to be essential for the survival and functional maintenance of nerve cells [54], Decreased availability of NTFs is thought to cause various nerve disorders including Altzheimer s disease [55], For example, nerve growth factor (NGF) was found as a prototypical neurotrophin factor essential for growth and development of neurons in the central as well as peripheral nervous system [56],... 

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