BDNF AND ANDROGEN INTERACTIONS IN SPINAL NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEMS

Neuroscience, 2013 · DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.10.028 · Published: June 3, 2013

Simple Explanation

This review focuses on how androgens, like testosterone, interact with BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in the spinal cord to affect muscles and the nerves that control them. These interactions are important for nerve cell growth, survival, and maintenance. Androgens and BDNF work together during development to regulate the natural death of motoneurons (nerve cells that control muscle movement). In adults, they help maintain the health and function of the neuromuscular system. After injuries, androgens and BDNF influence how nerve cells recover, affecting their size, shape, and ability to regrow axons (the long fibers that transmit signals). Understanding these interactions could lead to new treatments for nerve diseases and injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Androgens regulate BDNF and trkB expression (the receptor for BDNF) in spinal motoneurons, influencing their morphology.
2
Androgens control BDNF levels in muscles, and this action in the muscle affects BDNF levels in the motoneurons themselves, creating a feedback loop.
3
After nerve injury, androgens interact with BDNF to influence the size and shape of nerve cells, as well as their ability to regenerate axons.

Research Summary

This review examines the influence of androgens on BDNF signaling within neuromuscular systems and suggests a mechanism for the trophic effects of androgens on spinal motoneurons through the androgenic suppression of BDNF in target musculature. Central upregulation of BDNF and trkB does not always indicate trophic effects on motoneuron morphology, and androgen-regulated changes in BDNF protein and mRNA expression in neuromuscular systems should be directly evaluated. BDNF and androgens promote regeneration following axonal injury, potentially by an androgen-enhanced upregulation of BDNF in spinal motoneurons. These findings provide further insight into the maintenance of neuromuscular systems in adulthood.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases

Understanding androgen-BDNF interactions could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by regulating trophic factor expression.

Rehabilitation strategies for nerve injuries

Harnessing the interplay between androgens and BDNF could improve nerve regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injuries through targeted therapies.

Personalized treatment approaches

Considering the structure-dependent effects of androgen manipulation on BDNF levels may refine therapeutic strategies for neuromuscular diseases, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The review primarily focuses on animal models, and further research is needed to determine the applicability of these findings to humans.
2
The exact mechanisms underlying the androgenic regulation of BDNF in different neuromuscular systems remain unclear and require further investigation.
3
The potential deleterious effects of BDNF on neuron survival and morphology should be considered when developing therapeutic strategies.

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