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Altered bladder function in elastin-deficient mice at baseline and in response to partial bladder outlet obstruction
Xiaogang Jiang1, Ian Luttrell, Dean Y Li
1Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. xjiang@u.washington.edu
BJU International
|November 26, 2011
Summary
Elastin deficiency impairs bladder function, reducing compliance and capacity while increasing contractility. Elastin is crucial for normal bladder function and its response to obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Integrative Biology
Background:
- Elastin is a key structural protein in various tissues, including the bladder.
- Bladder dysfunction can arise from alterations in tissue composition and mechanical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional and molecular effects of elastin deficiency on bladder mechanics.
- To assess the impact of partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) on elastin-haploinsufficient bladders.
Main Methods:
- Studied female elastin-haploinsufficient (Eln(+/-)) and wild-type (Wt) mice.
- Quantified bladder elastin content via desmosine measurement.
- Evaluated bladder function using in vivo cystometry and ex vivo myography following pBOO or sham surgery.
Main Results:
- Eln(+/-) mice exhibited reduced bladder elastin, decreased compliance, and lower capacity compared to Wt mice.
- pBOO exacerbated bladder compliance and capacity more significantly in Eln(+/-) mice.
- Bladder strips from Eln(+/-) mice showed heightened contractile responses to electrical field stimulation and carbachol.
Conclusions:
- Elastin deficiency leads to impaired bladder compliance, capacity, and increased contractility.
- Elastin plays a critical role in maintaining normal bladder function.
- Elastin is involved in the bladder's adaptive response to partial bladder outlet obstruction.
