Optical EUS Activation to Relax Sensitized Micturition Response

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Urology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The external urethral sphincter (EUS) is crucial for controlling urination.
• Dysfunctional micturition, or abnormal urination, can significantly impact quality of life.
• Optogenetics offers a novel approach to modulate neural and muscular activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To activate the EUS using optogenetics in mice.
• To investigate the EUS's role in stabilizing sensitized micturition activity.
• To assess the therapeutic potential of optogenetic EUS stimulation for micturition disorders.

Main Methods:

• Viral vector delivery (AAV2/8-CMV-hChR2(H134R)-EGFP) to express channelrhodopsin in the EUS of C57BL/6 mice.
• Induction of sensitized micturition activity using acetic acid.
• Optogenetic stimulation of the EUS with a 473 nm laser via optical fibers.
• Electromyography (EMG) for muscle activation assessment and cystometry for micturition activity analysis.

Main Results:

• Optogenetic stimulation confirmed electrical activation of the EUS muscle.
• Sensitized voiding led to a ~70% decrease in micturition period and voiding volume.
• EUS optogenetic stimulation restored micturition period and voiding volume to normal levels (101.49% and 100.22% recovery, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Optogenetic activation of the EUS effectively alleviates sensitized micturition activity.
• This approach demonstrates significant potential for treating micturition control disorders.
• EUS optogenetics may be a valuable adjunct therapy for various bladder dysfunction conditions.