Progressive cell loss in neuronal populations is a pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases (Jellinger and Stadelmann, 2001). Secondary, one very recent hypothesis proposes neurogenesis in hippocampus to be critically involved in lifting the mood (Duman, 2005). This hypothesis is mainly based on the reciprocal actions of stress and antidepressants on neuronal growth.
Discovery of neurotrophin open a large and promising investigation field, they have been used for the treatment of several neurodegenerative diseases. The development of new compound which could mimic neurotrophin effect without their limit appears to be a good strategy for the development of new therapeutics in neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to promoting neuronal survival, neurotrophins are also involved in neuronal differentiation and axonal outgrowth.
Neurite outgrowth assay are used in neurobiology to study the neurotophic effect of a new compound.

A primary culture of hippocampal neurons are plated in a defined medium. The compound is added just after neuronal adhesion and neurite sprouting of neurons is evaluated by measuring the length of the principal neurite.