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Chronic Prostatitis Induces Bladder Hypersensitivity and Sensitizes Bladder Afferents in the Mouse
Erica S Schwartz1, Jun-Ho La1, Erin E Young1
1Center for Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Journal of Urology
|March 22, 2016
Summary
Prostate inflammation in mice led to changes in immune mediators and bladder sensitivity, suggesting cross-organ sensitization. This research supports the role of nerve pathways in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) presents with urinary urgency, pain, and referred pain.
- Urinary symptoms suggest cross-organ sensitization between adjacent organs like the prostate and bladder.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to managing CP/CPPS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in immunomodulatory mediators in the prostate and bladder following induced prostate inflammation.
- To assess the impact of prostate inflammation on bladder function and afferent nerve sensitization.
Main Methods:
- Mice prostates were injected with zymosan or vehicle to induce inflammation.
- Histology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analysis were performed weekly.
- Cystometry and bladder afferent sensitivity tests were conducted to evaluate bladder function.
Main Results:
- Prostate inflammation upregulated pro-inflammatory (TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines, NGF, and T-lymphocyte markers (FoxP3, CD4, CD8) in both prostate and bladder.
- Prostatitis increased urinary frequency, bladder hypersensitivity, and afferent nerve sensitization.
- Retrograde tracing revealed approximately 17% of sensory neuron cell bodies innervated both the bladder and prostate.
Conclusions:
- Prostate inflammation induces significant changes in the bladder's immune environment and function.
- These findings support the concept of afferent nerve involvement in CP/CPPS.
- Evidence suggests cross-organ sensitization from the prostate to the bladder contributes to CP/CPPS symptoms.
