Supplemental Figure S1. Expression of six neurotrophic factors-related genes in dog bladders

Abstract

Neurotrophic factors and reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulate neuronal plasticity. In an established model of lower motor neuron-lesioned bladder, somatic nerve transfer was used as a nerve reinnervation strategy. Levels of neurotrophic factors, ROS, and related markers, were evaluated in three groups of adult female dogs: 1) Decentralized, after bilateral transection of coccygeal and sacral spinal roots, dorsal roots of lumbar 7, and hypogastric nerves, then 6–21-mo recovery; 2) Reinnervated (ObNT-Reinn), after similar decentralization for 12 mo, then bilateral transfer of obturator to bladder vesical nerves, then 8–12-mo recovery; and 3) Controls. Detrusor mucosa and smooth muscle tissues were dissected, homogenized, and biochemically assayed. Protein levels of BDNF were higher in ObNT-Reinn mucosa, compared to other groups, as were ROS levels. Protein levels of BDNF were also higher in ObNT-Reinn bladder mucosa versus muscle layers. In contrast, protein levels of NT-3 and ARTN were lower in ObNT-Reinn and Decentralized mucosa, and protein levels of GDNF were lower in Decentralized mucosa, each compared to Controls, perhaps due to the prolonged decentralization. Protein levels of TNF-α were lower in Decentralized mucosa compared to the other groups. The muscle layer of each group showed similar protein levels of each neurotrophin, although ROS was lower in ObNT-Reinn muscle, compared to Control muscle. These results show variability in neutrotrophic factors, ROS and TNF-α, based on decentralization or reinnervation status, and elevation of only BDNF in the mucosa of ObNT-Reinn bladder perhaps due to somatic nerve ingrowth.Lewis Katz School of MedicineSupplemental Figure and Figure legend for: Enhanced BDNF and ROS in mucosa of lower motor neuron-lesioned dog bladder following somatic motor nerve transfer: Aging’s influenc