Adhesive mechanisms have been implicated in several morphogenetic processes during development. In the last decade several molecules mediating specific adhesion between cells and between cells and their environment have been characterized. Possible roles in morphogenesis have been established for some of these molecules. In the brain, four cell-cell adhesion molecules have been characterized: NCAM, L1, the myelin-associated glycoprotein and N-cadherin. Furthermore, a cell-substrate adhesion molecule, cytotactin, and its proteoglycan ligand have been described. We here review the data on structure, localization, developmental regulation and function of these molecules in brain.