Differential effects of exercise and hormone treatment on spinal cord injury-induced changes in micturition and morphology of external urethral sphincter motoneurons

Restor Neurol Neurosci, 2024 · DOI: 10.3233/RNN-241385 · Published: February 25, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can lead to problems with movement and autonomic functions like bladder control. This study investigates whether exercise or hormone treatment can protect the structure and function of motoneurons that control the external urethral sphincter (EUS), which is important for urination, after a SCI. The study found that exercise improved locomotor performance but did not improve urinary function or protect the EUS motoneurons from atrophy. However, hormone treatment with estradiol (E) and dihydrotestosterone (D) improved urinary function and protected the EUS motoneurons from atrophy after SCI. The findings suggest that hormone treatment can help improve urinary dysfunction after SCI, possibly by directly affecting EUS motoneurons. A comprehensive approach that includes both hormones and exercise may be needed to address multiple SCI-induced problems like locomotor and voiding deficits.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

Young adult male rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Locomotor performance was improved in exercised animals after SCI.
2
Void volumes increased after SCI in all animals; void volume was unaffected by treatment with exercise, but was dramatically improved by treatment with E + D.
3
Exercise did not reverse injury-induced atrophy, however E + D treatment significantly protected dendritic length.

Research Summary

This study examined the effects of exercise and hormone treatment on urinary dysfunction and EUS motoneuron morphology after SCI. Exercise improved locomotor performance but did not improve urinary function or protect EUS motoneurons from atrophy. Hormone treatment with E + D improved urinary function and protected EUS motoneurons from atrophy, suggesting a potential treatment for urinary dysfunction after SCI.

Practical Implications

Hormone Therapy for Urinary Dysfunction

Gonadal hormones, particularly estradiol and dihydrotestosterone, may be effective in improving urinary function after SCI by protecting EUS motoneurons from atrophy.

Comprehensive Treatment Regimen

A combined approach of exercise and hormone therapy may be necessary to address both locomotor and voiding deficits in SCI patients.

Novel Target for SCI Treatment

EUS motoneurons represent a novel target for treating SCI, and hormone treatment can be used to protect these neurons after injury.

Study Limitations

1
The study only used male rats, so the results may not be generalizable to females.
2
The study only measured void volume using metabolic cages, which may not be as sensitive as other measures of urinary function.
3
The mechanisms by which hormones protect EUS motoneurons from atrophy are not fully understood.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury