Beta-nerve growth factor as a mediator of the acute phase response in vivo.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is increased during inflammation and stress. Stress-induced increases in specific serum proteins, such as serum amyloid A (SAA) and serum triglyceride (TG) levels, are part of the acute phase response which is mediated by cytokines. We now report the effect of systemic administration of beta-NGF on levels of serum lipids and SAA. Beta-NGF induced a rapid and sustained increase in serum TG and free fatty acid (FFA) in a dose dependent manner, while decreasing serum cholesterol levels in rats. Additionally, beta-NGF increased hepatic mRNA levels and serum concentrations of SAA at 16 hours in mice. Thus, beta-NGF joins the list of cytokines and growth factors that can mediate the acute phase response.