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Intravesical ethanol as quantitative measure of bladder hyperpermeability
M Monga1, C Percival, P Zupkas
1Division of Urology, University of California, San Diego 92103-8897, USA. jpoehling@ucsd.edu
Journal of Endourology
|September 13, 2001
Summary
Intravesical ethanol instillation effectively measures bladder hyperpermeability in rabbits. This method shows promise for diagnosing interstitial cystitis (IC) and assessing treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pharmacology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Bladder surface hyperpermeability is implicated in interstitial cystitis (IC) etiology.
- Evaluating bladder permeability is crucial for understanding IC pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess intravesical ethanol instillation as a quantitative measure of bladder hyperpermeability.
- To establish a reliable animal model for studying bladder permeability.
Main Methods:
- Male New Zealand White rabbits had their bladder glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer disrupted with protamine sulfate (PS).
- Study groups received intravesical 10% or 20% ethanol; control groups received ethanol without PS.
- Blood ethanol concentrations were measured via mass spectrometry; bladders were examined histologically.
Main Results:
- Blood alcohol levels were 0 in controls, 14.5+/-2.2 ng/dL (10% ethanol), and 25.6+/-3.6 ng/dL (20% ethanol) in study groups.
- No ethanol-induced bladder abnormalities were observed in control animals.
- This indicates a dose-dependent increase in bladder permeability with ethanol exposure.
Conclusions:
- Intravesical ethanol instillation is a safe and reliable method for quantifying bladder hyperpermeability in an animal model.
- The intravesical ethanol test shows potential for diagnosing IC and monitoring treatment response.
- Further clinical trials are underway to validate its diagnostic utility.