The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the Development of Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity (NDO)

The Journal of Neuroscience, 2015 · DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0373-14.2015 · Published: February 4, 2015

Simple Explanation

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) is a bladder dysfunction that can occur following spinal cord injury (SCI). After SCI, the bladder may initially become areflexic, followed by the emergence of NDO, characterized by involuntary bladder contractions. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein in the nervous system. This study investigates the role of BDNF in the development and maintenance of NDO following SCI in rats. The study found that BDNF levels in the spinal cord increase after SCI, and that manipulating BDNF levels can affect bladder function. These findings suggest that BDNF plays a complex role in NDO, potentially acting as both a promoter and regulator of the condition.

Study Duration

4 Weeks

Participants

Female Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Animal Study

Key Findings

1
Spinal BDNF expression increased in a time-dependent manner after SCI, correlating with the emergence of NDO.
2
BDNF sequestration during spinal shock resulted in the early development of bladder hyperactivity, suggesting that BDNF may initially counteract NDO.
3
Chronic BDNF administration inhibited the emergence of NDO and reduced axonal growth, suggesting that BDNF may inhibit neuronal sprouting.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of BDNF in the development and maintenance of NDO after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The findings suggest that BDNF plays a complex and potentially dual role in NDO, with early increases in BDNF expression possibly acting to downregulate abnormal axonal growth and prevent bladder dysfunction, while later acting as a neurotransmitter that exacerbates bladder dysfunction. The study concludes that BDNF is an important modulator of sensory afferent sprouting, a key mechanism underlying NDO emergence, and may be a potential therapeutic target for managing SCI patients with NDO.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

BDNF could be a therapeutic target for managing NDO in SCI patients.

Timing is Key

Timing and dosage of BDNF manipulation are crucial for effective treatment.

Combination Therapies

Combining BDNF manipulation with other therapeutic measures may enhance treatment efficacy.

Study Limitations

1
The study used a complete spinal cord transection model, which may not fully represent all types of SCI.
2
The study was conducted on female Wistar rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans or other animal models.
3
The study focused primarily on BDNF and did not extensively investigate the roles of other neurotrophins or factors involved in NDO.

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