BDNF-ERK1/2 signaling pathway in ketamine-associated lower urinary tract symptoms

Objectives Long-term ketamine abuse can affect the urinary system, resulting in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), but the pathogenesis of this is still unknown. Previous studies have demonstrated that ketamine can change the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the serum of ketamine abuse patients. The aim of the present study is to explore the mechanism of the ketamine-mediated BDNF signaling pathway in the bladder of rats on chronic ketamine treatment.