Galanin is a secreted neuropeptide which is highly conserved between species and is abundantly distributed in the central nervous system (CNS). One of the most significant changes following axotomy or nerve injury is the upregulation of LIF followed by a 120 fold increase in Galanin expression, which remains elevated during the regeneration of the netve. LIF followed mice have significant reduction in Galanin expression in neurons and impaired nerve regeneration compared to wild type mice. This suggests that Galanin and LIF may be involved in nerve regeneration and that the absence of one or both genes may lead to impaired neurogenesis.