The relation among NGF, EGF and insulin is important for triggering pancreatic beta cell apoptosis

Background Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a well-known mediator for maintaining the survival of neurons, while recent studies report that its absence induces apoptosis in cultured beta cells of humans and rats. However, its relationship with other growth factors that have important roles in the survival and function of beta cells such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) has not yet been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NGF withdrawal on the synthesis and secretion of EGF, insulin with respect to beta cell apoptosis in hyperglycemic rats.