Effect of partial outflow obstruction on the distribution of free fatty acids and phospholipids in the rabbit bladder.

Abstract

The urinary bladder is separated into two distinct components, the mucosal epithelium (urothelium) and the underlying detrusor smooth muscle. Specific bladder dysfunctions such as partial outlet obstruction may contribute to the breakdown and damage of cell membranes. The major component of cell membranes is phospholipids, and the release of free fatty acids (FFA) from membrane phospholipids is suggestive of degradative lipase activity. The current investigation is concerned with the effect of partial outlet obstruction on the subcellular distribution of free fatty acids and phospholipids (PL) in rabbit bladder muscle and mucosa. Partial outlet obstructions were surgically created in mature male New Zealand White rabbits by standard methodology. At 2 weeks following surgery, rabbits were euthanized and the bladders, removed and separated into smooth muscle and mucosa. Muscle and mucosa were homogenized and separated by differential centrifugation to obtain separate subcellular fractions including plasma membranes, mitochondria, microsomes, and cytosol. The homogenate and supernatant fraction, free of membranes, were also saved. The free-fatty-acid (FFA) and choline-containing phospholipid (PL) content and the rate of generation of FFA were quantitated using in vitro enzymatic colorimetric methods. Relative to controls there was a significant increase in the FFA content of the obstructed smooth muscle and an increase in the PL content of the obstructed mucosa. There was an increase in FFA content in the mitochondrial fraction and a decrease in the supernatant of the obstructed smooth muscle. The PL content was reduced in the obstructed smooth muscle microsomal and supernatant fractions and was increased in the supernatant fraction of the mucosa. Endogenous lipase activity among control bladders was more than 10-fold greater in mucosa than in muscle. The FFA generation of the smooth muscle was significantly reduced by partial outlet obstruction. In conclusion, partial outlet obstruction causes bladder dysfunction due to activation of enzymes that hydrolyze cellular and subcellular membranes. The increase in endogenous lipase activity and generation of FFA among obstructed bladders indicates that the pathological state affects the membrane structure needed for normal bladder function.