CNS INDUCED NEUROGENIC CYSTITIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH BLADDER MAST CELL DEGRANULATION IN THE RAT

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if bladder mast cell degranulation is involved in the genesis of neurogenic cystitis induced by pseudorabies virus (PRV) invasion of the central nervous system (CNS).Materials and Methods: Rats received a total of 4 × 106 plaque forming units (pfu) of PRV-Bartha in the abductor caudalis dorsalis (ACD) muscle. Granulated bladder mast cells per mm2 of bladder tissue and urine histamine content were monitored as the cystitis developed over the next few days. In a subgroup of rats, intravesical resiniferatoxin was used to remove capsaicin-sensitive sensory bladder afferents, while another subgroup was pretreated with a mast cell degranulator.Results: PRV injection into the ACD muscle leads to neurogenic cystitis. Histamine levels were elevated in the urine of virus injected rats before any behavioral or microscopical signs of cystitis were present. When the cystitis became clinically manifest, urine histamine returned to control levels, and the number of granulated mast cells dropped sig...