All issues > Volume 48(4); 2005

Original Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2005;48(4):411-415. Published online April 15, 2005.

Expression of Nerve Growth Factor during Urinary Bladder Development

Kyoung Eun KE Lee¹, Chang Hee CH Hong², Hee Jung HJ Kang³, Dug Ha DH Kim¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
²Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
³Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea

Correspondence Dug Ha DH Kim ,Email: dougkim@hallym.or.kr

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.

Keywords :Nerve growth factor , Development , Urinary bladder