Voiding Dysfunction in Old Male Rats Associated With Enlarged Prostate and Irregular Afferent-Triggered Reflex...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Neuroscience
• Gerontology

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in aging men, often leading to lower urinary tract symptoms.
• Purinergic signaling, particularly involving P2X receptors, plays a role in bladder and prostate function.
• The specific involvement of P2X2/3 receptors in age-related prostate enlargement and associated voiding dysfunction is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of enlarged prostate in aged rats on voiding dysfunction.
• To evaluate the involvement of ionotropic P2X2/3-type purinergic receptors in this process.
• To determine if P2X2/3 receptor antagonism can ameliorate voiding dysfunction in aged rats with enlarged prostates.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of young (8-10 weeks) and old (20 months) male rats.
• Simultaneous detrusor electromyography (EMG) and suprapubic cystometry (CMG) under anesthesia.
• Immunofluorescence for prostatic innervation and P2X3 receptor expression in bladder urothelium.
• Assessment of P2X2/3 receptor function using a selective antagonist (AF-353).

Main Results:

• Old rats exhibited significantly enlarged prostates and altered micturition patterns compared to young rats.
• Increased P2X2/3 receptor and neurofilament expression was observed in the bladders and prostates of old rats.
• Antagonism of P2X2/3 receptors improved voiding function in old rats, reducing intravesical pressure and bladder contractile responses.

Conclusions:

• Enlarged prostate in aged rats contributes to voiding dysfunction.
• Activation of P2X2/3 receptors enhances a prostate-bladder reflex, worsening urinary symptoms.
• Targeting P2X2/3 receptors may offer a therapeutic strategy for managing prostate-related voiding dysfunction.