Review of Animal Models to Study Urinary Bladder Function.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Comparative Medicine
• Animal Models

Background:

• Urinary bladder (UB) dysfunction leads to storage and elimination issues like incontinence and retention.
• Understanding UB physiology, pathology, and psychology is crucial for effective treatment.
• No single animal model perfectly replicates human UB complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and facilitate the selection of adapted animal models for studying UB function.
• To guide researchers in choosing models based on facility, priority, and specific disease.

Main Methods:

• Overview of various animal models used in UB research, from rodents to nonhuman primates.
• Discussion of specific models for incontinence (e.g., vaginal distention) and overactive bladder (e.g., inflammation, obstruction, genetic models).

Main Results:

• A range of animal models (mice, rats, rabbits, felines, canines, pigs) are available for UB disorder research.
• Model selection involves trade-offs regarding complexity, ethics, facility requirements, and budget.
• Larger animal models present greater logistical and ethical challenges.

Conclusions:

• Adapted animal models are essential for advancing the understanding and treatment of UB disorders.
• Careful consideration of research goals and resources is necessary for optimal model selection.
• This review provides a framework for choosing appropriate animal models based on specific research needs.