Growth Factors as Drugs for Neurological and Sensory Disorders: No. 196 (Ciba Foundation Symposium) - Hardcover

Degeneration of sensory receptors or of the nerves innervating them leads to a sensory deficit. Various strategies have been tried for promoting regrowth of sensory receptors, particularly in the eye and ear. The latest data from experimental studies in animals are presented in the book including applications of BDNF and CNTF in the eye and epidermal growth factor in the ear.

Several neurotrophic factors have been shown to promote the growth, survival and differentiation of neurons. This book brings together laboratory investigators and scientists involved in clinical trials to discuss the potential therapeutic use of these growth factors. Included are details of several trials currently underway involving growth factors as treatments for neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease, post-polio syndrome and diabetic and drug-induced neuropathies. The relatively rapid pace at which neurotrophic factors are being brought into the clinical arena raises important questions involving scientific, practical and ethical issues: these are discussed. The book also looks at the latest animal studies examining the potential use of growth factors for promoting regrowth of nerves innervating sensory receptors in the eye, nose and ear. Finally, the technical problems of using growth factors as drugs are discussed. Various approaches to the problem of neurotrophin delivery are considered in detail, including new approaches based on the implantation of genetically engineered cells.