Abstract
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by bladder pain and increased urinary frequency. Although the C57BL/6J (B6) and FVB/NJ (FVB) mouse strains are commonly used as animal models for studies involving the urinary system, few reports have compared their lower urinary tract anatomy, despite the importance of such data. Our study aimed to characterize bladder function changes in FVB and B6 mouse strains with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IC, to understand mouse model-based bladder research. The bladder function parameters were measured by cystometrogram. Histological assay was examined by hematoxylin and eosin stain, Masson’s trichrome stain, and immunofluorescence staining. Results indicated that the two strains in the control group exhibited different bladder structures and functions, with significant anatomical differences, including a larger bladder size in the FVB than in the B6 strain. Furthermore, cystometry tests revealed differences in bladder function pressure. LPS-treated B6 mice presented significant changes in peak pressure, with decreased intercontraction intervals; these results were similar to symptoms of IC in humans. Each strain displayed distinct characteristics, emphasizing the care required in choosing the appropriate strain for bladder-model studies. The results suggested that the B6 mouse strain is more suitable for IC models.
Highlights
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammation of the bladder, defined as the absence of infection or other determinable causes, accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms for more than six weeks
C57BL/6J (B6) and FVB/NJ (FVB) are the most commonly used mouse strains for studying gene deficiency and the urinary system, but only a few studies have reported on the differences in their lower urinary tract anatomy and voiding function
Previous reports stated different mouse strains had different drug sensitivities and pathological processes [15,16]. These results summarized that different mouse strains can perform different experimental functions; investigating and characterizing differences in bladder size, morphology, and function between B6 and FVB mice is essential for studies involving the urinary tract
Summary
Ching-Hao Chen 1,†, Chun-Hou Liao 2,3,†, Kuo-Chiang Chen 3,4, Kuan-Lin Wang 3, Xiao-Wen Tseng 5, Wei-Kung Tsai 6,7,8,9, Han-Sun Chiang 4,10,11 and Yi-No Wu 3,*. Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
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