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The Use of Cystometry in Small Rodents: A Study of Bladder Chemosensation
Published on: August 21, 2012
Bladder dysfunction in a new mutant mouse model with increased superoxide--lack of nitric oxide?
Roberto Soler1, Claudius Füllhase, Baisong Lu
1Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA.
The Journal of Urology
|December 22, 2009
Summary
Mice with Immp2l gene mutations exhibit bladder dysfunction, showing voiding difficulties in males and increased detrusor activity in females, linked to low nitric oxide levels.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Genetics
- Physiology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is crucial for urethral smooth muscle relaxation and detrusor activity.
- Immp2l gene mutations lead to elevated superoxide levels, reducing bioavailable nitric oxide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bladder function in a mouse model with Immp2l gene mutations.
- To assess the impact of reduced nitric oxide bioavailability on bladder function.
Main Methods:
- Studied young male and old female Immp2l mutant mice and age-matched wild-type (WT) controls.
- Assessed detrusor contractile responses in vitro using organ baths.
- Evaluated in vivo bladder function via cystometry in conscious animals.
Main Results:
- Young male mutants displayed voiding difficulties, with lower micturition volumes and higher residual volumes.
- Old female mutants showed reduced bladder capacity, increased frequency, and higher bladder-to-body weight ratio.
- In vitro studies revealed preserved detrusor contractility in young males but impaired responses in old females.
Conclusions:
- Immp2l mutant mice exhibit distinct bladder dysfunctions: emptying abnormalities in males and detrusor overactivity in females.
- These mice serve as a valuable model for studying the effects of oxidative stress and low nitric oxide on bladder function.
