J Korean Continence Soc.  2009 Dec;13(2):83-89.

Role of Nerve Growth Factor in Overactive Bladder

• Kim JC

Abstract

Overactive bladder (OAB) is defined by the International Continence Society (ICS) as urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia. There have been many studies about OAB, but the cause and mechanisms are still poorly understood. It has been postulated that nerve growth factor (NGF) provide mechanisms for bidirectional communication between muscle or urothelium and nerve, leading to OAB. NGF is a secretory protein that has a critical role in the development of the peripheral nervous system. The bladder, especially the urothelium can produce NGF, which play a role in afferent sensitization. Elevated NGF levels orchestrate changes in sodium channel expression that, in turn, lower afferent nerve thresholds, to cause urgency, frequency and even urge incontinence. Several experimental and clinical studies have reported that the NGF is involved in bladder dysfunction, abnormal afferent signaling and bladder sensation. The evidences about relationship between NGF and OAB, and the role of NGF in the development of OAB are reviewed and discussed here.

Keyword

Nerve growth factor; Overactive bladder

MeSH Terms

Nerve Growth Factor*
Nocturia
Peripheral Nervous System
Sensation
Sodium Channels
Urinary Bladder
Urinary Bladder, Overactive*
Urinary Incontinence, Urge
Urothelium
Nerve Growth Factor
Sodium Channels