Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) has been recognized as a trophic factor for mesodermal tissues, and is implicated as a potentially significant trophic factor in the brain. This chapter describes the trophic effects of fibroblast growth factor on neural tissue. There are at least two distinct forms of FGF: acidic FGF (aFGF) and basic FGF (bFGF), which are the products of two discrete genes. Both aFGF and bFGF can support neuronal survival in cultures lacking detectable glial contaminants. Because of the potential ability of a single factor to affect multiple cellular components of a tissue, there must be a higher order of complexity governing trophic actions in intact organs. Glial response to FGF might be influenced by concurrent or previous exposures to these other trophic factors. The response of any one-cell type to exogenous application of FGF in vivo will be determined by the interplay among many environmental factors. Its availability as a chemically defined entity provides a first point to begin defining its physiological function and dissecting its interactions with some of these other potential components.
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