Female Urinary Bladder Research Articles

Role of p75NTR in female rat urinary bladder with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

Previous studies demonstrated changes in urinary bladder neurotrophin content and upregulation of neurotrophin receptors, TrkA and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)), in micturition reflex pathways after cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis. p75(NTR) can bind nerve growth factor (NGF) and modulate NGF-TrkA binding and signaling. We examined p75(NTR) expression and the role of p75(NTR) in the micturition reflex in control and CYP-treated rats. p75(NTR) Immunoreactivity was present throughout the urinary bladder. CYP-induced cystitis (4 h, 48 h, chronic) increased (P < or = 0.05) p75(NTR) expression in whole urinary bladder as shown by Western blotting. The role of p75(NTR) in bladder function in control and CYP-treated rats was determined using conscious cystometry and immunoneutralization or PD90780, a compound known to specifically block NGF binding to p75(NTR). An anti-p75(NTR) monoclonal antibody or PD90780 was infused intravesically and cystometric parameters were evaluated. Both methods of p75(NTR) blockade significantly (P < or = 0.05) decreased the intercontraction interval and void volume in control and CYP-treated rats. Intravesical infusion of PD90780 also significantly (P < or = 0.001) increased intravesical pressure and increased the number of nonvoiding contractions during the filling phase. Control intravesical infusions of isotype-matched IgG and vehicle were without effect. Intravesical instillation of PD90780 significantly (P < or = 0.01) reduced the volume threshold to elicit a micturition contraction in control rats (no inflammation) and CYP-treated in a closed urinary bladder system. These studies demonstrate 1) ubiquitous p75(NTR) expression in urinary bladder and increased expression with CYP-induced cystitis and 2) p75(NTR) blockade at the level of the urinary bladder produces bladder hyperreflexia in control and CYP-treated rats. The overall activity of the urinary bladder reflects the balance of NGF-p75(NTR) and NGF-TrkA signaling.

Foreign Bodies in the Female Urinary Bladder: 20-Year Experience in Ramathibodi Hospital

Objective Foreign bodies in the female urinary bladder may occur by self-insertion or migration from adjacent organs. The most common reason for this is sexual in nature, but hygienic behaviour and attempts to relieve voiding problems have been reported. Only small case series were found in the literature devoted to foreign bodies in the urinary bladder. Therefore, we reviewed our experience regarding foreign bodies in the female urinary bladder in our hospital. Methods Medical records of female patients who were diagnosed with a foreign body in the urinary bladder during 1985–2005 were reviewed. Demographics, causes, type of object found, clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes were noted. Results Seventy-eight patients with a mean age of 38 years were identified. The major route for ingress of foreign bodies was via the urethra. The objects found self-inserted were cotton swabs, tampons, paper clips and pen casings. As most of Thailand is an agricultural environment, some small living organisms such as leeches could be found as foreign bodies in the bladder. The majority of the cases presented with haematuria associated with frequency, urgency and pelvic pain. Almost all cases could be managed by endoscopic removal with minimal complications. Four cases were treated by open surgery. Conclusion Foreign bodies in the urinary bladder represent a urological challenge that requires prompt management. The suspected history and presenting symptoms are crucial and lead to fur-ther investigations. Gentle endoscopic management is the main treatment with a high success rate.

Mechanisms Underlying Mechanical Responses to Ephedra herb of Isolated Rabbit Urinary Bladder and Urethra, a Possible Stress Urinary Incontinence Therapeutic

To compare the mechanisms underlying mechanical responses to ephedrine and Ephedra herb, a main component of Kakkon-to, in isolated male and female rabbit urinary bladder and urethral strips, responses of isolated strips to the agents were recorded in organ bath systems. Ephedrine and Ephedra herb relaxed the female urinary bladder to the similar extent. These relaxations are reversed to contractions by timolol. In the presence of timolol, ephedrine produced less contraction of urethral strips in the female than those in the male; this contraction was abolished by prazosin. Ephedra herb contracted the female urethra less than that of the male, and the contraction was stronger than that by ephedrine. The contraction caused by Ephedra herb in strips treated with timolol was significantly inhibited by prazosin. The prazosin-resistant contraction of the female urethra was greater than that of the male. Quinacrine, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, indomethacin, and AA861, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, inhibited the contraction. The contraction was inhibited by ZK 158252, a leukotriene (LT) B4-receptor antagonist. These findings suggest that Ephedra herb contracts the urethra via arachidonic acid metabolites together with α1-adrenoceptor stimulation. The metabolites produced by 5-lipoxygenase may stimulate LTB4, but not CysLt1, receptors. These contractile components induced by Ephedra herb and Kakkon-to might be effective for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

The effect of vaginal distension on the female urinary bladder and urethral sphincters

A mention of effect of vaginal distension, as induced by penile thrusting at coitus, on urinary bladder (UB) and urethral sphincters could not be traced in literature. We investigated the hypothesis that, upon vaginal distension, UB undergoes inhibited activity, while external and internal urethral sphincters (IUS) exhibit increased activity in order to guard against urine leakage during coitus. Response of UB and external and IUS to vaginal balloon distension was recorded in 28 healthy women (age 35.6+/-3.3 years). A vaginal condom was inflated with air in increments of 50 up to 200 ml, and vesical pressure as well as electromyographic (EMG) activity of external and IUS were registered. The test was repeated after separate anaesthetisation of vagina, UB and external and IUS. On vaginal distension, vesical pressure was reduced in the ratio of expansion of vaginal volume up to a certain capacity, beyond which vesical pressure ceased to decline when distending volume was augmented. Similarly, IUS EMG activity increased progressively on incrementally added vaginal distension up to 150-ml distension, beyond which any further vaginal distension did not produce an additional increase of EMG activity; the external urethral sphincter (EUS) EMG activity showed no response. Vaginal distension, while the vagina, UB and external and IUS had been separately anaesthetised, produced no significant change. Vaginal balloon distension seems to effect vesical wall relaxation and increase IUS tone. This appears to provide a mechanism that prevents urine leak during coitus. Vesical and IUS response to vaginal distension are suggested to be mediated through a reflex we term 'vagino-vesicosphincteric reflex', which seems to be evoked by vaginal distension during penile thrusting. The reflex may prove of diagnostic significance in sexual disorders.

Gender‐related neuronal and smooth muscle damage of guinea pig isolated urinary bladder from anoxia‐glucopenia and reperfusion injury and its relationship to glycogen content

To investigate the effects of anoxia and glucopenia (A-G) on both male and female guinea pig urinary bladder. In whole bladders superfused with oxygenated Krebs' solution, intrinsic nerves underwent electrical field stimulation (EFS) and smooth muscle stimulated with carbachol, ATP, and high potassium. The effect of 1, 2, or 3 hr A-G on the contractile response and the ensuing recovery in Krebs' solution, was monitored. Glycogen content in male and female urinary bladders was also measured. Under different stimuli male urinary bladder proved to contract more efficiently than female organ. After 1 hr A-G the EFS response of male urinary bladder was virtually abolished and returned to 60% of control response in the recovery phase; in female bladder the EFS responses fully recovered during the reperfusion phase. Full recovery of the response to carbachol, ATP, and high potassium stimulations was observed in both genders. A-G had to be extended to 2 hr to cause smooth muscle impairment (higher in male than in female) and a neuronal impairment in female urinary bladders. When 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), an inhibitor of glycolysis, was added during 1 hr A-G, both neuronal and smooth muscle damages were significantly enhanced in male, as well as, though to a lesser extent, in female bladder. A significantly higher glycogen content was observed in female as compared to male bladders, which was inversely related with the duration of exposure to A-G. The higher resistance of female urinary bladder to A-G/reperfusion, can be partly ascribed to the higher glycogen content.

991: Effect of Letrozole on Female Rabbit Urinary Bladder Function

You have accessJournal of UrologyModerated Poster 30, Monday, May 21, 2007, 1:00 - 3:00 pm1 Apr 2007991: Effect of Letrozole on Female Rabbit Urinary Bladder Function Wei-Yu Lin, Alexandra Rehfuss, Catherine Whitbeck, Yung-Shun Juan, Paul Chichester, Anita Mannikarottu, and Robert Levin Wei-Yu LinWei-Yu Lin More articles by this author , Alexandra RehfussAlexandra Rehfuss More articles by this author , Catherine WhitbeckCatherine Whitbeck More articles by this author , Yung-Shun JuanYung-Shun Juan More articles by this author , Paul ChichesterPaul Chichester More articles by this author , Anita MannikarottuAnita Mannikarottu More articles by this author , and Robert LevinRobert Levin More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(18)31219-9AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "991: Effect of Letrozole on Female Rabbit Urinary Bladder Function." The Journal of Urology, 177(4S), pp. 327–328 © 2016 by American Urological AssociationFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 177Issue 4SApril 2007Page: 327-328 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2016 by American Urological AssociationMetricsAuthor Information Wei-Yu Lin More articles by this author Alexandra Rehfuss More articles by this author Catherine Whitbeck More articles by this author Yung-Shun Juan More articles by this author Paul Chichester More articles by this author Anita Mannikarottu More articles by this author Robert Levin More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

The Immediate Effect of Castration on Female Rabbit Bladder Blood Flow and Tissue Oxygenation

Background: The female urinary bladder is a target organ for estrogen. Reductions in circulating estrogen have been associated with urothelial and vaginal atrophy and bladder disorders including incontinence and increased incidence of bladder infections. We determined the effect of short-term ovariectomy on sex hormones, bladder blood flow, and tissue oxygenation in the rabbit model. Materials and Methods: Female New Zealand White rabbits were ovariectomized and evaluated on 1, 3, and 7 days after ovariectomy. Tissue oxygenation (pO₂) and blood flow were measured with oxylab system of real time measurements. Serum estrogen and progesterone were determined at sacrifice. Tissue hypoxia was localized histologically using Hypoxyprobe-1 immunohistochemistry. Results: Short-term ovariectomy caused rapid decreases in serum estrogen and progesterone, significant decreases in urothelial oxygenation and blood flow. No significant decreases in blood flow or oxygenation were noted for the detrusor smooth muscle. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of urothelial hypoxia at all times after ovariectomy. Bladder muscle did not demonstrate significant levels of hypoxia. Conclusion: The bladder urothelium is extremely sensitive to short-term ovariectomy, with significant urothelial hypoxia seen by post-ovariectomy day 1. Urothelial hypoxia may play a significant role in pelvic pain syndromes, incontinence, and increased susceptibility to bladder infection.

1281: Alteration of Contractile and Regulatory Proteins Following Ovariectomy and Estrogen Administration in the Female Rabbit Urinary Bladder

You have accessJournal of UrologyDiscussed Poster, Tuesday, May 23, 2006, 1:00 - 4:00 pm1 Apr 20061281: Alteration of Contractile and Regulatory Proteins Following Ovariectomy and Estrogen Administration in the Female Rabbit Urinary Bladder Anita S. Mannikarottu, Alpha D. Lin, Katherine Palmieri, Catherine Whitbeck, Christine Kearns, Robert E. Legget, Barry A. Kogan, and Robert M. Levin Anita S. MannikarottuAnita S. Mannikarottu More articles by this author , Alpha D. LinAlpha D. Lin More articles by this author , Katherine PalmieriKatherine Palmieri More articles by this author , Catherine WhitbeckCatherine Whitbeck More articles by this author , Christine KearnsChristine Kearns More articles by this author , Robert E. LeggetRobert E. Legget More articles by this author , Barry A. KoganBarry A. Kogan More articles by this author , and Robert M. LevinRobert M. Levin More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(18)33494-3AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "1281: Alteration of Contractile and Regulatory Proteins Following Ovariectomy and Estrogen Administration in the Female Rabbit Urinary Bladder." The Journal of Urology, 175(4S), p. 413 © 2016 by American Urological AssociationFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 175Issue 4SApril 2006Page: 413 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2016 by American Urological AssociationMetricsAuthor Information Anita S. Mannikarottu More articles by this author Alpha D. Lin More articles by this author Katherine Palmieri More articles by this author Catherine Whitbeck More articles by this author Christine Kearns More articles by this author Robert E. Legget More articles by this author Barry A. Kogan More articles by this author Robert M. Levin More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

77 Vanilloid receptor expression in body and trigone of female urinary bladder: changes in urgency without detrusor overactivity

Introduction: Patients with sensory urgency (SU): the symptom complex of urgency associated with pain, burning or discomfort, often accompanied by frequency and nocturia, are difficult to treat. Vanilloid receptors on afferent neurons and on urothelium may participate in signalling from the bladder. Our aim was to examine whether changes in VR1 expression occur in bladder from SU patients compared with controls.Patients: Biopsies from body and trigone were obtained from patients with SU (female, aged 21–82) who had undergone videourodynamics to exclude detrusor overactivity and define first sensation. Asymptomatic age‐matched females with prior history of carcinoma acted as controls. Biopsies were collected into ‘RNALater’. Specimens were dissected into two layers, mucosa and detrusor muscle, before RNA extraction and quantitative competitive RT‐PCR (Mansfield et al 2005 Br J Pharmacol 144: 1089–99).Results: In control biopsies, VR1 mRNA was present in greater density in mucosa than in detrusor muscle (15.3 × 105cf. 4.6 × 105 copies/μg RNA, both n = 15, P &lt; 0.01). In SU, VR1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in trigonal mucosa than in body mucosa (19.1 × 105 cf. 7.4 × 105 copies/μg RNA, n = 21‐‐23, P &lt; 0.01). There was no significant change in VR1 expression in body mucosa from SU specimens compared with matched controls. In SU patients, the level of VR1 expression in trigonal mucosa (but not body mucosa) was significantly inversely correlated with the volume at first bladder sensation (r2 = 0.41, P &lt; 0.01).Conclusion: We hypothesise that excessive afferent signalling via VR1 receptors in the trigone region may be related to an early first bladder sensation and sensory urgency.

A comparative study of the sub-chronic toxic effects of three organic arsenical compounds on the urothelium in F344 rats; gender-based differences in response

Epidemiological studies indicated that human arsenic exposure can induce urinary bladder cancer. Methylation of inorganic arsenic can generate more reactive and toxic organic arsenical species. In this regard, it was recently reported that the methylated arsenical metabolite, dimethylarsinic acid [DMA(V)], induced urinary bladder tumors in rats. However, other methylated metabolites, like monomethylarsonic acid [MMA(V)] and trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO) were not carcinogenic to the urinary bladder. In order to compare the early effects of DMA(V), MMA(V), and TMAO on the urinary bladder transitional cell epithelium at the scanning electron microscope (SEM) level, we investigated the sub-chronic (13 weeks) toxicological effects of MMA(V) (187 ppm), DMA(V) (184 ppm), TMAO (182 ppm) given in the drinking water to male and female F344 rats with a focus on the urinary bladder in this study. Obvious pathological changes, including ropy microridges, pitting, increased separation of epithelial cells, exfoliation, and necrosis, were found in the urinary bladders of both sexes, but particularly in females receiving carcinogenic doses of DMA(V). Urine arsenical metabolic differences were found between males and females, with levels of MMA(III), a potential genotoxic form, higher in females treated with DMA(V) than in males. Thus, this study provides clear evidence that DMA(V) is more toxic to the female urinary bladder, in accord with sensitivity to carcinogenesis. Important gender-related metabolic differences including enhanced presentation of MMA(III) to the urothelial cells might possibly account for heightened sensitivity in females. However, the potential carcinogenic effects of MMA(III) need to be further elucidated.

Muscarinic receptors mediating contraction of female mouse urinary bladder: effects of oestrogen

Muscarinic receptors mediating contraction of bladder detrusor muscle from female mice were examined. Mice were untreated (A) or treated with oestradiol cypionate (200 μg/kg) 24 h (B) or 96 h (C) before experimentation, or were pregnant (day 17) (D). Saturation radioligand binding experiments using [ 3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([ 3H] QNB) indicated similar muscarinic receptor densities and affinities in bladders from groups A and B. Neither oestrogen treatment nor pregnancy altered p D 2 estimates for methacholine. Maximum responses to methacholine and high-K + physiological salt solution (KPSS) were significantly greater ( P<0.05) in tissues from groups C and D than in A and B. Potencies of other muscarinic receptor agonists were similar in groups A and B with an order of acetylcholine plus physostigmine (10 μM)≈methacholine plus physostigmine (10 μM)>methacholine≈acetylcholine>bethanechol. Antagonist p K B estimates were similar in bladders from groups A and B with a rank order of: atropine≥4-diphenyl acetoxy- N-methyl piperidine methiodide>parafluorohexahydrosiladifenidol≈pirenzepine>himbacine, implicating muscarinic M 1 and/or M 5 as well as muscarinic M 3 receptors in mediating methacholine-induced bladder contraction.

Innervation and Function of the Female Urinary Bladder and Urethra

Only few, but nonetheless specific anatomical differences exist between the female and the male urinary bladder. In men, the prostate gland, as a potentially obstructive organ, and in women the pelvic floor due to possible insufficiency after childbirth or through fluctuation of estrogen, may give rise to specific problems. The detailed knowledge of the anatomical, morphological and physiological fundamentals is of essential importance for understanding the mechanisms and innervation of the female urinary bladder.

Estrogen receptor expression in lumbosacral dorsal root ganglion cells innervating the female rat urinary bladder

We have investigated whether bladder afferent neurons are likely to be targets for circulating estrogens by mapping estrogen receptor (ER) distribution in lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult female rats. Sensory neurons innervating either the detrusor or trigone regions were identified by application of fluorescent retrograde tracer dyes to the bladder wall. Labelled neurons were classified by their immunoreactivity for either type of ER (ERα or ERβ) and further compared with subpopulations of neurons containing substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide and vanilloid receptor (a marker of polymodal nociceptors). Both ER types were expressed in numerous sensory neurons of either upper lumbar (L1/L2) or lower lumbar/sacral (L6/S1) ganglia and there was almost complete coexpression of ERα and ERβ. ER-positive neurons were mainly small–medium size (18–25-μm diameter), indicating that they may be nociceptors and/or supply visceral targets. Most bladder-projecting neurons expressed ERs and the majority of these also expressed neuropeptides or vanilloid receptor. Afferent neurons supplying detrusor and trigone regions had similar immunohistochemical features. About a third of the bladder-projecting neurons expressed both ER and vanilloid receptor, suggesting a mechanism by which estrogens could influence bladder pain. The prevalence of different chemical classes of ER-positive bladder-projecting neurons was reflected throughout the entire population of neurons in dorsal root ganglia of these spinal levels, suggesting that neurons supplying other pelvic visceral targets may have similar chemical profiles. These results suggest that many functional classes of sensory neurons innervating the lower urinary tract are likely to be targets for circulating estrogens, including many nociceptor neurons. The coexistence of ERα and ERβ suggests a broad range of potential mechanisms by which estrogens may exert their genomic effects in this system.

Planteamiento terapéutico de las fístulas vesicogenitales. análisis retrospectivo de nuestra serie

The vesicogenital fistula are abnormal communications between female genitalia and urinary bladder. We recorded all the vesicogenital fistula diagnosed since 1986, analyzing aetiology, treatment applied, complications and results.Total number of fistula have been 20 (18 vesicovaginal and 2 vesicouterine). The distribution in vesicovaginal fistula was iatrogenic in 15 cases (83%) and tumoral in 3 cases (17%). Vesicouterine fistula were due to cesarea.The initial treatment of the iatrogenic fistula was conservative using foley catheter. Twenty percent of the patients were cured with this treatment (3 cases). Surgical repair was necessary for the other patients, using different surgical approach according to the type of the fistula, intensity and patient age. It was successful in 91% of the patients. The results shows that simple surgical approach generate less morbidity and the early intervention is not less efficient.

Differential gene expression of cholinergic muscarinic receptor subtypes in male and female normal human urinary bladder

Objectives To study the mRNA expression of each muscarinic receptor subtype in bladder areas involved in micturition, such as the bladder dome, neck, and trigone. Our study focused on the analysis of the gene expression of muscarinic receptors in the human male and female urinary bladder. Other than the well-known role of bladder parasympathetic innervation, an extensive study of the muscarinic receptor mRNA distribution in male and female urinary bladder is still lacking. Methods The study was carried out on 5 female (age 56 ± 10 years) and 5 male (age 70 ± 9 years) patients. The patients selected for this study did not have any lower urinary tract symptoms, as determined by International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire. The mRNAs encoding muscarinic receptor subtypes were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, followed by Southern blot analysis. Results Using a molecular approach, we demonstrated the presence of all muscarinic receptor subtypes in the different urinary bladder areas involved in micturition; in particular, our data indicated that mRNAs encoding muscarinic receptors are largely expressed in all examined bladder areas, both in men and women, although with some remarkable differences and a peculiar distribution. Conclusions Our results indicate that the pharmacology of the human bladder may be more complex than previously recognized. Furthermore, the choice to study each biopsy as a single sample and not use a pool of tissues allowed us to point out the individual variability between subjects and sex-related differences in the expression profile of muscarinic receptor subtype mRNAs.

Long term results of Burch colposuspension and anterior colpoperineorraphy in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and cystocele

Objective : Female urinary incontinence and bladder prolapse are very common conditions whose treatment is not standardized. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the long-term results of Burch colposuspension and anterior colpoperineorrhaphy in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and cystocele, respectively. Materials and methods : We rewieved 36 female patients with a mean follow-up of 53 months. Mean patient age at time of surgery was 57.3±9.6 years (range 37–76). All patients were submitted to urodynamic investigation. Anterior colpoperineorrhaphy was performed in 18 cases (13 with cystocele, one with SUI and four with both). Burch colposuspension was performed in 14 cases (six with SUI and eight with both cystocele and SUI). The association of the two surgical procedures was used in four cases with both cystocele and SUI. Results : Satisfactory results, such as disappearance of SUI with Burch colposuspension and cystocele with colpoperineorrhaphy, were obtained in the 88.8% and 85.8% of the cases, respectively. These results are even more excellent considering that 22.5% of the patients failed previous surgery. We observed no significant complications. Conclusions : The high percentage of long-term success confirms that anterior colpoperineorrhaphy and Burch colposuspension are two effective therapeutic choices for cystocele and SUI, respectively. The new mini-invasive techniques have to be compare with these traditional surgical treatments which efficacy is consolidated.

A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of the effects of the 5-hydroxytriptamine(4) agonist cisapride on the female urinary bladder

Objective: Anecdotal reports have proposed the use of the 5-hydroxytriptamine(4) agonist cisapride as a treatment for female voiding dysfunction on the basis of the known prokinetic actions of the medication. The purpose of our study is to assess the effects of this agent on the normal bladder in vivo. Study Design: In this randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial, patients were randomized to receive either 20 mg cisapride or an identical placebo. They then underwent urodynamic evaluation that included uroflowmetry, multichannel filling cystometry, pressure-flow studies, and a urethral pressure profile. After a washout period of at least 7 days, subjects were then crossed over to the other arm and the tests were repeated. Results: Twenty women without significant urinary incontinence agreed to participate. There was a decrease in the maximum cystometric capacity from 556 mL for placebo to 496 mL for cisapride (P <.001). There was no difference in the detrusor pressure at maximum flow, the maximum detrusor pressure, the flow rate, or the percentage of maximum cystometric capacity voided. Conclusions: In healthy women, cisapride caused a significant decrease in the maximum cystometric capacity, which could account for the higher reported rates of urinary frequency and urgency with this medicine. There was no evidence that this prokinetic agent improved voiding function. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:62-4.)

Succession of events in desquamation of superficial urothelial cells as a response to stress induced by prolonged constant illumination

The effect of moderate stress induced by prolonged illumination was analysed on urothelial cells of female mouse urinary bladders at ultrastructural and cytochemical levels. This study demonstrates that the urothelium responds to moderate stress with desquamation which involves two subsequent steps. The first step includes a local detachment of tight junctions and consequently the loss of the permeability barrier leading to expanded intercellular spaces among urothelial cells. During the second step, the disjunction of desmosomes accompanied by exocytosis of lysosomal enzymes (NADPase) in the intercellular space results in exfoliation of superficial cells. It is evident thatmoderate stress elicits an enhanced desquamation of only superficial cells by a subsequent dysfunction of first tight junctions and after that adherens-type junctions. A rapid restoration of the newtight junctions prevents a long-term malfunction of the blood–urine barrier.

COMPARISON OF CYSTOSCOPIC AND HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

Although the exact etiology of interstitial cystitis remains elusive, bladder inflammation appears to be common in many patients. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have established diagnostic criteria for interstitial cystitis based on the presence of irritative voiding symptoms in the absence of other identifiable pathology. Cystoscopic examination with hydrodistention performed in patients under anesthesia is part of the NIH diagnostic criteria. We determine if the severity of cystoscopic findings correlated with histological evidence of inflammation in patients with suspected interstitial cystitis. A total of 69 patients who met NIH symptom criteria for interstitial cystitis and underwent cystoscopy, hydrodistention and bladder biopsy under anesthesia were reviewed. There were 2 investigators blinded to the histological data who independently reviewed operative reports. A urological pathologist blinded to the clinical data reviewed biopsies for inflammation severity. Cystoscopic and histological findings were then converted to a numeric scale. Numeric data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Cystoscopic examination revealed no evidence of interstitial cystitis in 6 patients (9%), mild changes in 27 (39%), moderate changes in 23 (33%) and severe changes in 13 (19%). Histological examination revealed no inflammation in 21 patients (30%), mild inflammation in 28 (41%), moderate inflammation in 11 (16%) and severe inflammation in 9 (13%). Histological scores correlated poorly with total and scaled cystoscopic severity scores (r = 0.295 and 0.349, respectively). Severity of cystoscopic findings observed during hydrodistention with anesthesia does not appear to correlate with the degree of inflammation identified histologically in patients with suspected interstitial cystitis.

Effects of estrogen and progesterone on urinary bladder in female rabbit: evaluation by quantitative morphometric analysis

Objectives. To investigate possible effects of estrogen and/or progesterone on the histologic characteristics of female rabbit urinary bladders, we carried out quantitative morphometric analysis of the rabbit bladders. Methods. Mature female rabbits were treated by ovariectomy with and without successive estrogen and/or progesterone administration. Area densities of the connective tissue (CT) and smooth muscle (SM) cells, the area of single SM cells, and the thickness of the bladder wall were determined by computer-assisted quantitative morphometric analysis. Results. Six weeks after each treatment, ovariectomy alone resulted in a decrease in CT density of the bladder. Successive estrogen treatment increased the bladder wet weight and SM cell density within the bladder wall. Progesterone treatment reduced CT degradation in ovariectomized rabbits. Sex steroids did not significantly influence the area of each SM cell. There was no significant difference in histologic characteristics between the rabbits treated by estrogen alone and those treated by combination (estrogen and progesterone) therapy. Conclusions. Ovariectomy and successive hormonal replacement therapy resulted in morphologic changes within the rabbit urinary bladder. Cotreatment with progesterone did not significantly change the morphologic findings produced by estrogen treatment alone.