| Popis: |
Trophic growth factors are endogenous proteins that, at very low concentrations, act as signaling molecules to initiate cellular processes leading to cell survival, growth, and differentiation. Trophic factors exert their effects through binding to high-affinity cellular receptors, initiating signal transduction cascades and resulting in new gene expression and protein synthesis. Trophic factors are generally grouped into gene superfamilies: factors that promote neuronal survival or outgrowth are termed neurotrophic; factors promoting glial survival or proliferation can be termed gliotrophic; and those promoting blood vessel proliferation are termed angiogenic. Treatment with angiogenic growth factors may conceivably have a role in the prevention of stroke. These factors promote the proliferation of vascular endothelial and/or smooth muscle cells and promote new capillary growth. One of the greatest opportunities for trophic factor treatment is during the recovery phase of stroke. Although recovery from stroke is often incomplete, partial recovery of cognitive, sensorimotor, and functional abilities is common clinical experience. Mechanisms of recovery may include reversal of metabolic “shock” in distant intact brain regions, unmasking of previously inhibited alternative brain pathways, or new neuronal sprouting and synapse formation. |
