Infravesical outflow obstruction in rats: a comparison of two models

1. A new model of infravesical outflow obstruction was developed in male rats by the repeated s.c. administration of testosterone for 5-15 days (3 mg/kg die). The effects of this treatment which produced a 65% increase of prostate weight (10 days) on bladder voiding was evaluated in urethane anesthetized rats by the transvesical infusion of saline and compared to the cystometric alterations produced by application of a silk ligature at urethral level in female rats (4-8 weeks before) as described by Malmgren et al. (1987a, b). 2. Testosterone-pretreatment for 10 days produced little changes in bladder weight, bladder capacity or amplitude of micturition contraction but determined a marked increase in residual volume, indicating that infravesical outflow obstruction impaired significantly bladder voiding. Furthermore, detrusor instability was observed in the majority of testosterone-treated rats. 3. The participation of an active component to voiding impairment in testosterone-treated rats was suggested by the effect of intravenous prazosin which improved voiding efficiency. 4. In urethra-ligated female rats there was a marked increase in bladder weight which was paralleled by a dramatic alteration in micturition reflex that is marked increase in bladder capacity and residual volume. 5. It is concluded that these two models of infravesical outflow obstruction produce cystometric patterns simulating the urodynamic alterations observed in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and are potentially suitable for development of drugs in this field.