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Elevated nitric oxide in the urinary bladder in infectious and noninfectious cystitis
J O Lundberg1, I Ehrén, O Jansson
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Urology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) is significantly elevated in various bladder inflammation conditions, suggesting its role in host defense. Measuring NO in the bladder may offer a new diagnostic approach for cystitis.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is implicated in inflammation and host defense.
- Elevated NO concentrations exhibit cytotoxic effects on microorganisms, tumor cells, and host cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between bladder mucosal inflammation and local nitric oxide (NO) production.
- To assess NO levels in different types of cystitis.
Main Methods:
- Direct measurement of NO in the urinary bladder of patients with infectious, interstitial, irradiation, and bacillus Calmette-Guérin-induced cystitis.
- NO-free air was instilled into the bladder during cystoscopy and aspirated after 5 minutes for analysis using a chemiluminescence NO analyzer.
Main Results:
- Nitric oxide (NO) levels were markedly elevated, 30 to 50 times higher, in all cystitis patient groups compared to controls.
- This significant increase indicates a strong correlation between bladder inflammation and local NO production.
Conclusions:
- Nitric oxide (NO) likely plays a role in the bladder's host-defense mechanisms against bacterial infections and during antitumor treatment.
- Direct measurement of gaseous NO in the urinary bladder presents a promising diagnostic tool for identifying mucosal inflammation.