Activation of astrocytes in the L6-S1 spinal cord in nonbacterial prostatitis rat model

Abstract

Objective To analyze the activation of astrocytes in the corresponding spinal cord after chemical irritation of the rat prostate and investigate whether the astrocytes is involved in the inflammatory pain from prostatitis.Methods Twenty four healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups:6 as sham operated group and the other 18 as Non-bacterial prostatitis models induced by injecting CFA to prostate.The rats in the Non-bacterial prostatitis model group were again randomly divided into 3 subgroups (6 in each group):CFA injection 3d group,CFA injection 7d group,and CFA injection 10 d group.The shape of glandular cavity,the extent of hemangiectasis and inflammatory cell infiltration were stained by HE Compared with sham operated group (5 474± 1 311),the expression of GFAP was higher in the model group (CFA injection 3 d group was 24 805±7 035,CFA injection 7 d group was 53 107±15 357,CFA injection 10 d group was 60 095t17 388),which had statistically significant.The expression results of GFAP were basically consistent with the extent of inflammatory reaction of prostate in the time phase.Conclusions Inflammatory pain of the prostate caused by CFA lead to activation of astrocytes in the dorsal horn of the corresponding (L6 and S1) segments of the spinal cord and enhanced expression of GFAP.These results suggest that the activation of astrocytes may be involved in the formation of the inflammatory pain of prostate. Key words: Nonbacterial prostatitis; Rat; Pain; Glial fibrillary acidic protein