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Structure and function of the rabbit bladder altered by chronic obstruction or cystitis
Investigative Urology
|July 1, 1976
Summary
Chronic bladder obstruction in rabbits led to collagen buildup and increased bladder pressure, but did not impair muscle response. Bacterial cystitis reduced nerve stimulation response without ultrastructural changes.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Urinary obstruction can lead to bladder wall changes, including collagen deposition.
- Previous observations linked decreased muscle contractility to intercellular collagen after acute obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic bladder neck obstruction on bladder ultrastructure and function.
- To differentiate the effects of collagen deposition from infection on bladder contractility and nerve response.
Main Methods:
- Chronic bladder neck obstruction was induced in rabbits for 2 months.
- Bladder wall ultrastructure was examined.
- Resting intravesical pressure and response to pelvic nerve stimulation were measured.
Main Results:
- Chronic obstruction caused intercellular collagen deposition and increased resting intravesical pressure.
- Despite collagen buildup, the response to stimulation was not impaired in obstructed bladders.
- Bacterial cystitis did not alter bladder ultrastructure but reduced the response to pelvic nerve stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Intercellular collagen deposition alone does not impair nerve conduction in the detrusor.
- Discrete conduction pathways may exist in the detrusor, suggesting intercellular electrotonic spread is not essential for contraction.
- Bacterial cystitis impacts nerve stimulation response differently than collagen deposition.