Dietary choline affects response to acetylcholine by isolated urinary bladder

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Neuropharmacology
• Aging Research

Background:

• Aging is associated with increased urinary bladder response to acetylcholine (ACh).
• Choline is a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
• Dietary intake of choline can be manipulated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of long-term dietary choline manipulation on urinary bladder response to ACh.
• To determine if choline levels influence muscarinic receptor density in the bladder.

Main Methods:

• Female C57BL/6J mice were fed choline-deficient or choline-supplemented diets from 8 to 20 months of age.
• Isolated bladders were tested for contractile response to acetylcholine (ACh).
• Radioligand binding assays were used to assess muscarinic receptor density.

Main Results:

• Choline-deficient mice showed a 46% increase in maximum bladder response to ACh compared to controls.
• Choline-enriched diets resulted in a 15% decrease in maximum contractile response.
• Changes in bladder response correlated with alterations in muscarinic receptor density.

Conclusions:

• Dietary choline levels significantly modulate age-related changes in urinary bladder function.
• Muscarinic receptor density in the bladder is altered by choline availability, suggesting a compensatory mechanism.
• These findings provide insights into the interplay between diet, aging, and autonomic nervous system regulation of the bladder.