Abstract
Current analgesic treatments for Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) are limited. Here, we propose a novel antinociceptive strategy exploiting the opioid-mediated analgesic properties of T lymphocytes to relieve from bladder pain. In a chronic model of IC/BPS in rats, we show that a secondary T cell response against intravesically administered ovalbumin prevents from visceral pain in OVA-primed animals. The analgesic effect is associated with the recruitment of T lymphocytes within the inflamed mucosa and is reversed by naloxone-methiodide, a peripheral opioid receptor antagonist. Similarly, intravesical instillation of BCG or tetanus toxoid antigens in vaccinated rats protects from pain in the same model. We show opioid-dependent analgesic properties of local vaccine antigen recall in a preclinical rat model of chronic cystitis. Since BCG bladder instillation is regularly used in humans (as anticancer therapy), our results open it as a new therapeutic positioning for a pain management indication for IC/BPS patients.
Highlights
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic disorder characterized by pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort perceived to be related to the urinary bladder accompanied by at least one other urinary symptom such as persistent urge to void or frequency of voiding [1]
The analgesia accompanying the recruitment of T lymphocytes induced by intravesical OVA was reversed by naloxone-methiodide (Figures 3A–C)
We demonstrated that intravesical antigens application on previously vaccinated rats, significantly relieved from CYP-induced bladder pain. These results point out the potential use of vaccine therapy for pain management in Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) patients on the basis of any commonly used vaccine
Summary
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic disorder characterized by pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort perceived to be related to the urinary bladder accompanied by at least one other urinary symptom such as persistent urge to void or frequency of voiding [1]. The etiology and pathogenesis of IC/BPS have not yet been elucidated, numerous hypotheses including defects of the urothelial barrier, autoimmunity and neurogenic disorder have been proposed [2]. A number of therapies have been proposed to treat IC/BPS but, to date, only pentosan polysulfate (Elmiron R ) medication is approved by United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Intravesical treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) display anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant effects but seems to be efficient only in patients with Hunner’s ulcers who represent
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
