Low-intensity energy shock wave therapy modulates bladder function and anxiety-like behavior in maternal separation...

To investigate whether low-intensity energy shock wave therapy (LiESWT) applied to the bladder can alleviate maternal separation (MS)-induced lower urinary tract dysfunction and anxiety-like behavior in a rat model.

Sprague-Dawley rat pups were divided into normal, MS, and MS + LiESWT groups. MS was performed on postnatal days 2-14. At 6 weeks of age, the MS + LiESWT group received shock wave therapy (0.12 mJ/mm², 2 Hz, 200 shocks per session, nine sessions) in the bladder region. At 9 weeks of age, all groups underwent anxiety-like behavior assessment using the elevated plus maze test, followed by metabolic cage evaluation, cystometry, and histology to assess bladder function and morphology.

Compared to normal rats, MS rats exhibited increased bladder weight, shortened intercontraction intervals, and increased anxiety-like behavior. LiESWT treatment normalized bladder weight and improved urinary frequency compared to MS rats, and reduced anxiety-like behavior, as evidenced by recovery of time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze. Sex-related differences were observed, with effects being more pronounced in females. This was particularly evident in the voiding frequency during the dark phase and the adrenal gland weight.

LiESWT applied to the bladder improved bladder dysfunction and reduced anxiety-like behavior in MS rats, suggesting potential interactions between bladder function and emotional state that may involve shared neural circuits. The findings indicated the potential therapeutic applications of LiESWT for improving the stress-induced dysfunction affecting the integrated neurobiological pathways that govern both bladder control and behavioral regulation.