Nerve growth factor as an angiogenic factor

Nerve growth factor (NGF), a neurotrophin that plays a crucial role in promoting neurotrophic and neurotropic effects in sympathetic neurons, has recently been identified as a novel angiogenic molecule, which exerts a variety of effects in the cardiovascular system and on endothelial cells. In fact, NGF may contribute to maintenance, survival, and function of endothelial cells by autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms. This review summarizes the involvement of NGF in the regulation of angiogenesis in both normal and pathological conditions.