neurotrophic factor
nounMedical Definition of neurotrophic factor
: any of a group of neuropeptides (such as nerve growth factor) that regulate the growth, differentiation, and survival of neurons
… transplantation of neural precursor cells into the spinal cord of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may be beneficial as a platform for delivering neurotrophic factors that promote neuron differentiation and growth.— Robert H. Brown Jr., Science, 29 Aug. 2008
— called also neurotrophin