BLADDER OUTLET OBSTRUCTION

A MODEL FOR DETRUSOR INSTABILITY AND BLADDER HYPERTROPHY

Cystometry in animals with Bladder Outlet Obstruction (BOO).

This experimental model mimics the functional (bladder instability / non-voiding contractions) and morphological changes (bladder hypertrophy) observed in the urinary bladder of patients affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Rat, mouse, guinea-pig

•  This model is suitable for testing compounds for the inhibition of bladder instability.
• Cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, heart rate) can be monitored simultaneously to verify functional uroselectivity.
• Compounds that show a positive response in this model include antimuscarinics and K_ATP channel openers.

• Outlet obstruction is produced by a ligature around the urethra for five or six weeks.
• Cystomanometry, in restraining or metabolic cages, in conscious animals using saline infusion into the bladder.
• Test compounds can be administered acutely via various routes (i.v., p.o., s.c., i.g.) or chronically using osmotic pumps implanted subcutaneously.  

• Bladder capacity and bladder weight
• Intercontraction intervals during continuous cystometry
• Micturition pressure
• Micturition volume and residual volume
• Basal intravesical pressure
• Threshold pressure for micturition
• Voiding frequency and efficiency
• Histomorphometric analysis on bladder sections

• Lluel P et al, J Urol 160: 2253-7, 1998
• Lluel P et al, Neurourol Urodyn 21: 142-53, 2002
• Lluel P et al, J Urol 175: Abst. 1455, 2006