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Nerve growth factor (NGF) and the other members of the the NGF gene family have been extensively characterized as neurotrophic factors. Recently a modulatory action of these neurotrophic factors on synapse efficacy has emerged. The developing visual system has provided a convenient model to test the role of neurotrophins on neural plasticity in vivo. NGF does not interfere with the development of the visual cortex but has an effect only when the visual system is confronted with abnormal vision. All the effects of manipulations of the visual experience such as monocular deprivation, strabismus and dark rearing are prevented if NGF is provided exogenously. NGF can antagonize the destabilization of cortical connections induced by manipulations of the visual input during early postnatal development. Anti-NGF has complementary effects, delaying the stabilization of visual cortical synapses. The mechanism of …