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Cyclophosphamide cystitis in mice: behavioural characterisation and correlation with bladder inflammation
1Department of Physiology, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, E-28871, Spain
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|March 4, 2000
Summary
Researchers adapted cyclophosphamide cystitis, an inflammatory visceral pain model, for mice. This method consistently produces quantifiable pain behaviors linked to bladder inflammation, offering a valuable tool for studying visceral pain in mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Transgenic 'knock-out' mice are increasingly used to study pain mechanisms.
- Existing mouse models for visceral pain are limited, with the writhing test being the primary option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt cyclophosphamide cystitis, a known rat model of inflammatory visceral pain, for use in mice.
- To characterize the behavioral effects of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis in mice.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were administered cyclophosphamide (100 and 300 mg/kg) or saline (vehicle) intraperitoneally.
- Behavioral changes were assessed via continuous video recording and Open Field tests.
- Bladder and abdominal tissue integrity was evaluated macroscopically and through Evan's Blue plasma extravasation assays.
Main Results:
- Cyclophosphamide (300 mg/kg) induced significant behavioral changes, including visceral pain crises and reduced activity.
- Significant bladder hemorrhage and plasma extravasation were observed, confirming inflammation.
- No inflammation was detected in other abdominal tissues, indicating model specificity.
Conclusions:
- Cyclophosphamide cystitis is a suitable and advantageous model for sub-acute, inflammatory visceral pain in mice.
- The model is reproducible, requires no surgery, and yields quantifiable behavioral data correlated with bladder inflammation.
- This model provides a robust platform for investigating visceral pain mechanisms in mice.