Effects of nitric oxide inhibitors in mice with bladder outlet obstruction

Marcy Lancia Pereira1, Carlos Arturo Levi D'ancona2, Julio Alejandro Rojas-Moscoso3

  • 1Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brasil.

Abstract

Insights

Inhibiting nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in mice with bladder outlet obstruction worsened bladder function. Constitutive NOS, not inducible NOS, appears central to these alterations.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Physiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in mice leads to significant lower urinary tract changes.
  • Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) plays a role in regulating bladder function, with both constitutive and inducible isoforms potentially involved.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of constitutive and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the pathogenesis of experimental bladder outlet obstruction.
  • To evaluate the effects of L-NAME (non-selective NOS inhibitor) and aminoguanidine (iNOS inhibitor) on bladder function after 5 weeks of partial bladder outlet obstruction.

Main Methods:

  • C57BL6 male mice underwent partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) or sham surgery.
  • Mice were treated with either L-NAME or aminoguanidine, or vehicle, for 5 weeks.
  • Bladder weight, cystometry, and tissue bath contractile studies were performed.

Main Results:

  • BOO mice exhibited increased non-voiding contractions (NVC), larger bladder capacity, and reduced contractile responses.
  • L-NAME treatment in BOO mice exacerbated NVC, prevented bladder weight gain, and enhanced contractile responses.
  • Aminoguanidine treatment in BOO mice reduced NVC but did not prevent bladder weight gain or improve contractile responses.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic inhibition of all NOS isoforms worsened bladder function in BOO mice.
  • Selective inhibition of iNOS did not improve bladder function in BOO mice.
  • These findings suggest that alterations in BOO are primarily related to constitutive NOS activity.