Neurotrophins and sensory neurons: role in development, maintenance and injury. A thematic summary

Abstract

Cells in sensory ganglia have constituted a very productive model system to examine the biology of the neurotrophins. Reasons for this have included the accessibility of the cells and their processes to studies of development, function and plasticity after injury. Despite their apparent homogeneity at the gross level sensory neurons are highly differentiated in their anatomy, physiology, chemistry, etc. Their response to neurotrophins varies among the different cell types which has helped to elucidate the action of these agents. It is the purpose of this brief review to summarize a number of overriding themes that emerge from these studies as discussed at the meeting on Neurotrophins and sensory neurons: role in development, maintenance and injury . Reference is made throughout to contributions of the speakers at this meeting whose papers may be consulted for further detail and for the appropriate references.