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The ureter in vitro: normal motility and response to urinary pathogens
G M Lennon1, P C Ryan, J M Fitzpatrick
1Department of Surgery/Urology, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
British Journal of Urology
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Bacteria impact ureteric contractility differently based on exposure. Live bacteria stimulated contractility externally but inhibited it internally, affecting ureteric motility.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Microbiology
- Physiology
Background:
- Ureteric contractility is crucial for urine transport.
- Bacterial infections can influence urinary tract function.
- Understanding bacterial effects on ureteric smooth muscle is clinically relevant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of specific bacteria on canine ureteric contractility.
- To differentiate the impact of bacterial exposure to ureteric mucosa versus smooth muscle.
Main Methods:
- A canine ureteric segment model was used in an organ bath.
- Selective exposure of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus to lumen or buffer.
- Experiments included live bacteria, heat-killed organisms, bacterial filtrates, and endotoxin.
Main Results:
- Live bacteria in the buffer stimulated ureteric contractility.
- Live bacteria introduced into the ureteric lumen reversibly inhibited contractility.
- Heat-killed organisms, endotoxin, and filtrates showed no effect on normal ureteric motility.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial location (lumen vs. external) dictates ureteric contractility response.
- Findings may explain conflicting in vivo observations of ureteric motility during infection.
- This study highlights the complex interaction between bacteria and ureteric smooth muscle.