The expression of growth factor receptors during nerve regeneration

Growth factors and their receptors play a central role in the regulation of normal and injury-induced regenerative cell growth. In this article we review the data on the expression of growth factor receptors for β-nerve growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor and serum transferrin during regeneration following peripheral nerve injury. Particular emphasis is put on the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to the expression of these growth factor receptors, their interaction with their respective ligands and their specific role in this regenerative process.