Abstract
To determine if a decrease in oestrogen (E) levels increases activity in bladder afferent nerves, by investigating the effects of E loss on afferent nerve activity in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and making comparisons with findings in ageing female rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: ageing; OVX+ E; OVX+ vehicle (V); and sham-operated (SHAM) + V. The E (250 µg/kg) or V (cottonseed oil) was injected s.c. once a week for 8 weeks. Frequency-volume recordings were performed with the rats in metabolic cages, and single Aδ- or C-fibre activities from the bladder were measured. After measurements, the blood serum was collected and the estradiol (E2) level was measured. The C-fibre activity of OVX + V rats was significantly lower than in the other groups. Aδ-fibre activity was unchanged. Despite low E2 levels, ageing rats showed high afferent activity and voiding frequency. Although a low E level may affect storage function, it is unlikely that it is the main cause of the high afferent activity and voiding frequency observed in the ageing female rat.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
