Glial Neurotrophic Factor in Ischemic Stroke: Possible Role of Glucocorticoids

Glial neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was first identified as a survival factor of dopaminergic neurons but was further shown to be a neurotrophic factor for neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems. GDNF signaling is mediated by transmembrane tyrosine kinase RET receptors with GFRα1 co-receptor or by nerve cell adhesion protein (NCAM) and promotes neuronal survival, neurite growth, and synaptogenesis. Under physiological conditions, GDNF is expressed in neurons, but as a result of ischemic stroke, its synthesis occurs mainly in activated astrocytes. In this review, in addition to general information on neurotrophic factor, we tried to analyze data on the effect of ischemic stroke on GDNF, on the mechanisms of its neuroprotective action, and speculate on the possible effect of glucocorticoids on activated astrocytes and GDNF production in stroke.