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Metabolic basis for contractile dysfunction following chronic partial bladder outlet obstruction in rabbits
D A Nigro1, N Haugaard, A J Wein
1Division of Urology, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|November 24, 1999
Summary
Partial bladder outlet obstruction in rabbits led to decreased bladder function and reduced citrate synthase activity. This study correlates bladder mass and obstruction duration with these functional and enzymatic declines.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Partial bladder outlet obstruction (PB0) is known to cause bladder hypertrophy.
- PB0 also leads to diminished bladder contractility and altered mitochondrial enzyme activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between bladder contractile function and mitochondrial enzyme activity in rabbits with PB0.
- To correlate these changes with the duration of obstruction and increased bladder mass.
Main Methods:
- Surgically induced partial bladder outlet obstruction in 20 rabbits.
- Excised bladders at various time points (30-150 days post-obstruction).
- Measured contractile responses to field stimulation and bethanechol; determined citrate synthase activity.
Main Results:
- A parallel decline in citrate synthase activity and contractile response was observed.
- These declines correlated with both the duration of obstruction and increased bladder mass.
Conclusions:
- Chronic partial bladder outlet obstruction impairs bladder function.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction, indicated by reduced citrate synthase activity, is linked to functional deficits in obstructed bladders.

