The protective effects of ALC against nerve damage and pain associated with peripheral neuropathies include changes in the sensitivity of nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors, activation of M1 cholinergic muscarinic receptors in the CNS, and upregulation of glutamate receptors metabotropic type 2 (mGlu2) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The gene discussed is NGFR; the disease is peripheral neuropathy.