Acute administration of AMPA/Kainate blocker combined with delayed transplantation of neural precursors improves lower urinary tract function in spinal injured rats

Brain Res, 2011 · DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.08.023 · Published: October 18, 2011

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries often lead to problems with bladder control due to nerve damage. This study explores a combination therapy to improve bladder function after such injuries in rats. The researchers used a drug (NBQX) to reduce initial damage and then transplanted neural precursor cells (NRP/GRP) to promote repair. The results showed improved bladder function and nerve regeneration with the combined treatment. The combined approach appears to protect the spinal cord and encourage the growth of new nerve connections, ultimately leading to better bladder control in the injured rats.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

30 female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The combined treatment (NBQX & NRP/GRP) accelerated the recovery of bladder contraction after spinal cord injury compared to controls.
2
Rats receiving the combined treatment exhibited improved urodynamic parameters, including lower micturition pressures and fewer non-voiding contractions.
3
The combined treatment resulted in greater protection of host spinal tissue and increased sprouting/regeneration of descending projections to the lumbosacral spinal cord.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effectiveness of a combination therapy involving acute administration of NBQX (an AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist) and delayed transplantation of neuronal precursors (NRP/GRP) for improving bladder function after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The results demonstrate that the combined treatment significantly improves bladder function, reduces bladder hypertrophy, and promotes tissue sparing and nerve regeneration compared to either treatment alone or control groups. The findings suggest that this combination therapy holds promise for treating lower urinary tract dysfunction following SCI by increasing neuroprotection and plasticity in the spinal cord.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation Potential

The combined therapeutic approach may offer a new avenue for treating lower urinary tract dysfunction in SCI patients.

Future Research Directions

Further studies are warranted to optimize the timing and dosage of NBQX administration and NRP/GRP transplantation.

Drug Development

Development of more effective AMPA/kainate receptor antagonists could further enhance the neuroprotective effects of the combined therapy.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly translatable to humans.
2
The long-term effects of the combined treatment were not evaluated.
3
The precise mechanisms underlying the observed improvements in bladder function remain to be fully elucidated.

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