Abstract
It has been recently suggested that nitrofurantoin may induce symptoms of interstitial cystitis by acting as a surface active agent that destroys glycosaminoglycan (GAG) on the bladder surface. Evidence accumulated over the past decade has demonstrated that the bladder surface GAG prevents bacterial adherence. In this experiment, exposure of the bladder lumen to nitrofurantoin at more than twice the therapeutic concentration did not destroy the bladder GAG layer (as evidenced by periodic acid-Schif f histochemistry) nor increase bacterial adherence as did a true surface active agent (Triton X-100). Acid treatment as well as all tested organic solvents except 50 % dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) also removed the bladder GAG layer and increased bacterial adherence. These results indicate that neither nitrofurantoin nor 50 % DMSO has adverse effects on the bladder surface and thus is unlikely to initiate the interstitial cystitis symptom complex by means of surfactant activity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.