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Published on: August 18, 2014
Effect of ageing on blood flow to the bladder and bladder function
1Department of Urology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
Urologia Internationalis
|August 26, 1999
Summary
Aging impairs bladder function due to reduced blood flow. Older rats showed decreased bladder contractility and increased capacity, correlating with lower detrusor blood flow.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Urology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Atherosclerosis-induced ischemia is a significant factor in age-related disorders.
- Detrusor ischemia may contribute to bladder dysfunction in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare bladder blood flow and detrusor function in young versus aged rats.
- To investigate the impact of aging on bladder contractility and capacity.
Main Methods:
- In vivo and in vitro studies using young (6-month) and aged (24-month) Sprague-Dawley rats.
- Laser Doppler flowmetry for bladder blood flow measurement.
- Cystometrograms and isolated bladder studies (bethanechol, field stimulation, volume-pressure).
Main Results:
- Aged rats exhibited significantly lower bladder blood flow compared to young rats.
- Older rats demonstrated reduced voiding pressure, larger bladder capacity, and impaired contractility.
- Aging correlated with decreased bladder blood flow and altered detrusor muscle response.
Conclusions:
- Aging leads to reduced bladder blood flow and impaired detrusor contractility in rats.
- Older rats' bladders have increased capacity and compliance but diminished contractile function.
- These findings suggest a link between reduced vascularization and age-related bladder dysfunction.
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