The Effects of Sustained Hydrostatic Pressure on Human Bladder Smooth Muscle Cells Grown on Polymer Scaffolds

Abstract

Monitoring the effect of different stationary and dynamic hydrostatic forces regimen imposed on bladder cells has achieved great consideration in bladder tissue engineering. In this study the effect of sustained hydrostatic pressure 10 cm water on smooth muscle cells grown on electo-spinned PLA-PLGA (60/40) polymer scaffold was studied. Gene expression changes were monitored for 3, 5, and 7 days. According to our quantitative PCR results the expression of Collagen Type I and III and IV as well as alpha actin smooth muscle, actin, elastin, calponin and caldesmon increased by day 5 and then decreased. Based on ELIZA results, at day 5 expression of both differentiation marker (desmin) and dedifferentiation marker (alpha actin smooth muscle) was increased. Collagen type I was up regulated but type III down regulated. Although mechanical stimulation has important effect on bladder function, pathologic condition such as outlet obstruction, disturbs both pattern of phenotypic markers and collagen type III to I ratio. Reference : 1- Haberstroh KM, Kaefer M, Retik AB, Freeman MR, Bizios R. The effects of sustained hydrostatic-pressure on select bladder smooth muscle cell functions. J Urology. 1999 Dec;162(6):2114-8. 2- Haberstroh KM, Kaefer M, DePaola N, Frommer SA, Bizios R. A novel in-vitro system for the simultaneous exposure of bladder smooth muscle cells to mechanical strain and sustained hydrostatic pressure. J Biomech Eng-T Asme. 2002 Apr;124(2):208-13.