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Urothelial pathophysiological changes in feline interstitial cystitis: a human model
J P Lavelle1, S A Meyers, W G Ruiz
1Department of Urology, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology
|April 6, 2000
Summary
Feline interstitial cystitis (FIC) damages the bladder's urothelium, increasing permeability and causing symptoms. This study reveals severe epithelial dysfunction in FIC, suggesting new research avenues for interstitial cystitis (IC).
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The urothelium forms a unique barrier essential for urine storage.
- Interstitial cystitis (IC) and feline interstitial cystitis (FIC) are characterized by bladder pain and dysfunction.
- Understanding urothelial properties is crucial for IC/FIC research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the permeability and structural characteristics of normal and FIC urothelium.
- To investigate the effects of bladder filling (hydrodistention) on urothelial properties in normal and FIC conditions.
Main Methods:
- Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) measurements to assess permeability.
- Water and urea permeability assays.
- Fluorescence confocal microscopy for AE-31 and ZO-1 localization.
- Scanning and transmission electron microscopy for structural analysis.
Main Results:
- Normal urothelium maintained high TER and low permeability, with AE-31 and ZO-1 correctly localized.
- FIC urothelium showed reduced TER and increased permeability after hydrodistention.
- FIC urothelium exhibited denudation and mislocalization of AE-31 to underlying cells.
Conclusions:
- FIC involves severe urothelial damage and barrier dysfunction.
- These findings highlight significant epithelial alterations in FIC.
- The study suggests new directions for investigating the causes and treatments of IC.