Altered vasopressin and natriuretic peptide levels in a rat model of spinal cord injury: implications for the development of polyuria

Abstract

Urinary dysfunction is a common complaint following spinal cord injury (SCI) and is a leading issue for individuals with SCI that impacts their quality of life. One urinary complication that has received little attention is SCI-induced polyuria, even though individuals with SCI will significantly restrict their fluid intake to decrease urine production, leading to sequelae of medical complications. Understanding the mechanisms instigating the development of polyuria will allow us to target interventions that may alleviate polyuria symptoms, leading to significant improvements in the quality of life and urinary health of individuals with SCI. In a rat SCI contusion model, an increase in the amount of urine excreted over a 24-h period ( P ≤ 0.001) was found at 2 wk postinjury. The urine excreted was more dilute with decreased urinary creatinine and specific gravity ( P ≤ 0.001). Several factors important in fluid balance regulation, vasopressin (AVP), natriuretic peptides, and corticosterone (CORT), also changed significantly postinjury. AVP levels decreased ( P = 0.042), whereas atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and CORT increased ( P = 0.005 and P = 0.031, respectively) at 2 wk postinjury. There was also a positive correlation between the increase in ANP and urine volume postinjury ( P = 0.033). The changes in AVP, ANP, and CORT are conducive to producing polyuria, and the timing of these changes coincides with the development of SCI-induced polyuria. This study identifies several therapeutic targets that could be used to ameliorate polyuria symptoms and improve quality of life in individuals with SCI.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2018
Source ID
10.1152/ajprenal.00229.2017

Entities

People

  • Charles H Hubscher
  • Lynnette R. Montgomery

Organizations

  • Paralyzed Veterans of America Research Foundation
  • United States Department of Defense
  • University of Louisville

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Gulf War Illness and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans.
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.