Korean J Pediatr.  2005 Apr;48(4):411-415.

Expression of Nerve Growth Factor during Urinary Bladder Development

• Lee KE
• Hong CH
• Kang HJ
• Kim DH

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was performed to determine the developmental expression pattern of nerve growth factor(NGF) in the urine of healthy children. It was hypothesized that NGF may contribute to the development of the spinobulbospinal micturition reflex that represents the adult micturition pattern.
METHODS
Voided urine was collected in 60 healthy children during the first 5 years of life(0-1 month, n=10; 1 month-1 year, n=10; 2 years, n=10; 3 years, n=10; 4 years, n=10). The urinary NGF was analyzed by using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results were normalized based on creatinine or total protein in urine.
RESULTS
NGF was significantly greater among neonates compared to other age groups(P<0.05). NGF levels declined during 1 month to 1 year and increased by age 2 years. NGF levels at age 3 years were less than in neonates examined. When comparing the NGF levels according to continence in children over 1 year old, NGF levels were significantly lower in children with continence than in children with incontinence(P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
These data suggest that NGF is involved in the achievement of continence and in mechanisms of bladder nerve growth and in the reorganization of bladder reflex pathway.

Keyword

Nerve growth factor; Development; Urinary bladder

MeSH Terms

Adult
Child
Creatinine
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Nerve Growth Factor*
Reflex
Urinary Bladder*
Urination
Creatinine
Nerve Growth Factor