Abstract
Objective. In the article recent literature on neurotrophins is overviewed from the perspective of genetics, neurobiology, psychiatry and neurology, and major views on the subject, widely accepted at present, are discussed.
Review. Neurotrophins are a group of nerve growth factors participating in the processes of neuro- and synaptogenesis. Deficiencies of particular neurotrophins may lead to an abnormal development of the nervous system structures and to increased neuronal susceptibility to damage by physical and chemical factors, as well as by long-term stress exposure.
Conclusions. Neurotrophins play a crucial role in the etiopathogenesis of numerous mental and neurological disorders and therefore they remain one of the most important issues in experimental and clinical research.