Book Description:
Nerve growth factor (NGF) has a key role not only in the development of sensory and autonomic neurons, but also in the processes of nociception. Several central and peripheral mechanisms have been postulated as the basis of effects of NGF in nociceptive pathways. It has been implicated both in inflammatory and neuropathic pain mechanisms and strategies against NGF, its receptors, and down-stream intracellular signaling activated by this neurotrophin (NT) have been proposed for the treatment of these pathological conditions. This new book examines recent evidence of the involvement of NGF in painful diseases and suggests the potential usefulness of anti-NGF strategies as novel analgesics for these disabling pathological conditions.

Table of Contents:
INTRODUCTION, pp. 1-2

NGF AND NOCICEPTION, pp. 3-4

INTRACELLULAR MECHANISMS OF NGF ACTION, pp. 5-8

PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF INFLAMMATORY AND NEUROPATHIC PAIN, pp. 9-12

EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FOR THE INVOLVEMENT OF NGF IN INFLAMMATORY AND NEUROPATHIC PAIN, pp. 13-20

PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF MIGRAINE, pp. 21-24

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF FIBROMYALGIA, pp. 25-26

INVOLVEMENT OF NGF IN THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF MIGRAINE AND FIBROMYALGIA, pp. 27-32

POTENTIAL OF NGF TARGETING STRATEGIES IN NEUROPATHIC PAIN, CHRONIC MIGRAINE AND FIBROMYALGIA, pp. 33-38

CONCLUSIONS, 39-59

INDEX