Unraveling the story of NGF-mediated sensitization of nociceptive sensory neurons: ON or OFF the Trks?

Mol Interv. 2007 Feb;7(1):26-41. doi: 10.1124/mi.7.1.6.

Abstract

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is produced by and affects a number of immune and inflammatory cells. As part of the inflammatory response, NGF directly or indirectly alters the sensitivity of small diameter sensory neurons that communicate noxious information. The question remains as to the receptors and intracellular signaling cascades that mediate this sensitizing action of NGF. Although the general consensus is that NGF produces peripheral sensitization by activating TrkA, recent work suggests that p75 also contributes. Thus, both NGF receptors appear to contribute to peripheral sensitization although whether they act independently or together remains to be determined. Furthermore, controversy exists as to the downstream signaling pathways involved in NGF-induced peripheral sensitization.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways
  • Mice
  • Nerve Growth Factor / drug effects
  • Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • Nervous System Physiological Phenomena
  • Neurons, Afferent / metabolism*
  • Nociceptors / drug effects
  • Nociceptors / metabolism*
  • PC12 Cells
  • Rats
  • Receptor Cross-Talk
  • Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • Receptor, trkA / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Nerve Growth Factor
  • Receptor, trkA