Distribution of neurotrophin receptors in the mouse neuromuscular system.

The neurotrophins are a family of secreted proteins with critical roles in regulation of many aspects of neural development, survival and maintenance. Their actions on neural tissue are thought to be mediated by interaction with high affinity (trk family members) or low affinity (p75NTR) cell surface receptors. In general, neurotrophins are considered to be supplied in limiting quantity by cells of a target tissue or synaptic partner.