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Role of urothelial nerve growth factor in human bladder function
Lori A Birder1, Amanda Wolf-Johnston, Derek Griffiths
1Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
Neurourology and Urodynamics
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration in the bladder is not linked to overactive bladder (DO) or sensation issues. However, lower NGF levels correlate with increased 24-hour urine output, suggesting a role in bladder filling.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) is implicated in various physiological processes.
- Its role in lower urinary tract function, particularly in relation to detrusor overactivity (DO) and bladder sensation, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between NGF concentration in the human bladder urothelium/suburothelium and key aspects of lower urinary tract function.
- Specifically, to determine if NGF levels correlate with detrusor overactivity (DO), bladder sensation, or detrusor contractility.
Main Methods:
- Superficial bladder biopsies were obtained from 27 women.
- NGF concentration was measured using ELISA.
- Participants underwent comprehensive video-urodynamics and completed bladder diaries.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between NGF concentration and detrusor overactivity (DO).
- NGF levels did not correlate significantly with measures of detrusor contractility or bladder sensation.
- A significant inverse association was observed between NGF concentration and 24-hour urine output (P = 0.004).
Conclusions:
- Elevated NGF levels in the bladder urothelium/suburothelium are not strongly associated with DO, detrusor contractility, or increased bladder sensation.
- Lower NGF levels were observed in individuals with higher 24-hour urine output.
- These findings suggest a potential role for NGF in active bladder filling processes, possibly involving trafficking mechanisms.
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