Related Experiment Videos
Bladder surface glycosaminoglycans: an epithelial permeability barrier
C L Parsons1, D Boychuk, S Jones
1Department of Surgery, University of California Medical Center, San Diego 92103.
The Journal of Urology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Sulfated polysaccharides act as bladder permeability barriers, regulating small molecule movement. Protamine sulfate disrupts this barrier, increasing molecule passage, but pentosanpolysulfate (PPS) can restore normal function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Urology
Background:
- Sulfated polysaccharides are crucial components of the bladder's glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer.
- This layer is believed to function as a permeability barrier, influencing the passage of small molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of sulfated polysaccharides in bladder permeability.
- To examine how protamine sulfate and pentosanpolysulfate (PPS) affect the movement of small molecules across the bladder mucosa.
Main Methods:
- In vivo study using rabbit bladders with radiolabeled urea, calcium, and water.
- In vitro study using Ussing chambers with rabbit bladder membranes.
Main Results:
- Protamine sulfate significantly increased the absorption of urea, calcium, and water in vivo and urea movement in vitro.
- Pentosanpolysulfate (PPS) reversed the effects of protamine sulfate, restoring bladder permeability to control levels.
- Protamine sulfate treatment led to increased concentrations of urea and calcium in bladder mucosa, which were reduced by PPS.
Conclusions:
- The bladder's surface polysaccharide layer plays a vital role in modulating small molecule permeability.
- Protamine sulfate impairs this barrier function, while exogenous sulfated polysaccharides like PPS can counteract this effect.