Trophic factor for dopamine neurons. Prevents the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. When administered after 6-OHDA-lesioning, restores the dopaminergic function and prevents the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Widely expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. In the brain, highest levels in the optic nerve and corpus callosum.