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Fan X, Li J, Yan J. Automated identification and segmentation of urine spots based on deep-learning. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17398. [PMID: 39035153 PMCID: PMC11260409 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Micturition serves an essential physiological function that allows the body to eliminate metabolic wastes and maintain water-electrolyte balance. The urine spot assay (VSA), as a simple and economical assay, has been widely used in the study of micturition behavior in rodents. However, the traditional VSA method relies on manual judgment, introduces subjective errors, faces difficulty in obtaining appearance time of each urine spot, and struggles with quantitative analysis of overlapping spots. To address these challenges, we developed a deep learning-based approach for the automatic identification and segmentation of urine spots. Our system employs a target detection network to efficiently detect each urine spot and utilizes an instance segmentation network to achieve precise segmentation of overlapping urine spots. Compared with the traditional VSA method, our system achieves automated detection of urine spot area of micturition in rodents, greatly reducing subjective errors. It accurately determines the urination time of each spot and effectively quantifies the overlapping spots. This study enables high-throughput and precise urine spot detection, providing important technical support for the analysis of urination behavior and the study of the neural mechanism underlying urination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fan
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Junan Yan
- Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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2
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FTY720 Improves Behavior, Increases Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels and Reduces α-Synuclein Pathology in Parkinsonian GM2+/- Mice. Neuroscience 2019; 411:1-10. [PMID: 31129200 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive aging disorder that affects millions worldwide, thus, disease-modifying-therapies are urgently needed. PD pathology includes α-synuclein (aSyn) accumulation as synucleinopathy. Loss of GM1 gangliosides occurs in PD brain, which is modeled in GM2 synthase transgenic mice. GM2+/- mice have low, not absent GM1 and develop age-onset motor deficits, making them an excellent PD drug testing model. FTY720 (fingolimod) reduces synucleinopathy in A53T aSyn mice and motor dysfunction in 6-OHDA and rotenone PD models, but no one has tested FTY720 in mice that develop age-onset PD-like motor problems. We confirmed that GM2+/-mice had equivalent rotarod, hindlimb reflexes, and adhesive removal functions at 9 mo. From 11 mo, GM2+/- mice received oral FTY720 or vehicle 3x/week to 16 mo. As bladder problems occur in PD, we also assessed GM2+/- bladder function. This allowed us to demonstrate improved motor and bladder function in GM2+/- mice treated with FTY720. By immunoblot, FTY720 reduced levels of proNGF, a biomarker of bladder dysfunction. In humans with PD, arm swing becomes abnormal, and brachial plexus modulates arm swing. Ultrastructure of brachial plexus in wild type and GM2 transgenic mice confirmed abnormal myelination and axons in GM2 transgenics. FTY720 treated GM2+/- brachial plexus sustained myelin associated protein levels and reduced aggregated aSyn and PSer129 aSyn levels. FTY720 increases brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and we noted increased BDNF in GM2+/- brachial plexus and cerebellum, which contribute to rotarod performance. These findings provide further support for testing low dose FTY720 in patients with PD.
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3
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Gil-Tommee C, Vidal-Martinez G, Annette Reyes C, Vargas-Medrano J, Herrera GV, Martin SM, Chaparro SA, Perez RG. Parkinsonian GM2 synthase knockout mice lacking mature gangliosides develop urinary dysfunction and neurogenic bladder. Exp Neurol 2019; 311:265-273. [PMID: 30393144 PMCID: PMC6319267 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that reduces a patients' quality of life by the relentless progression of motor and non-motor symptoms. Among the non-motor symptoms is a condition called neurogenic bladder that is associated with detrusor muscle underactivity or overactivity occurring from neurologic damage. In Parkinson's disease, Lewy-body-like protein aggregation inside neurons typically contributes to pathology. This is associated with dopaminergic neuron loss in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and in ventral tegmental area (VTA), both of which play a role in micturition. GM1 gangliosides are mature glycosphingolipids that enhance normal myelination and are reduced in Parkinson's brain. To explore the role of mature gangliosides in vivo, we obtained GM2 Synthase knockout (KO) mice, which develop parkinsonian pathology including a loss of SNc dopaminergic neurons, which we reconfirmed. However, bladder function and innervation have never been assessed in this model. We compared GM2 Synthase KO and wild type (WT) littermates' urination patterns from 9 to 19 months of age by counting small and large void spots produced during 1 h tests. Because male and female mice had different patterns, we evaluated data by sex and genotype. Small void spots were significantly increased in 12-16 month GM2 Synthase KO females, consistent with overactive bladder. Similarly, at 9-12 month GM2 KO males tended to have more small void spots than WT males. As GM2 Synthase KO mice aged, both females and males had fewer small and large void spots, consistent with detrusor muscle underactivity. Ultrasounds confirmed bladder enlargement in GM2 Synthase KO mice compared to WT mice. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry revealed significant dopaminergic loss in GM2 Synthase KO VTA and SNc, and a trend toward TH loss in the GM2 KO periaqueductal gray (PAG) micturition centers. Levels of the nerve growth factor precursor, proNGF, were significantly increased in GM2 Synthase KO bladders and transmission electron micrographs showed atypical myelination of pelvic ganglion innervation in GM2 Synthase KO bladders. Cumulatively, our findings provide the first evidence that mature ganglioside loss affects micturition center TH neurons as well as proNGF dysregulation and abnormal innervation of the bladder. Thus, identifying therapies that will counteract these effects should be beneficial for those suffering from Parkinson's disease and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Gil-Tommee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Guadalupe Vidal-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - C Annette Reyes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Javier Vargas-Medrano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Gloria V Herrera
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Silver M Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Stephanie A Chaparro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Ruth G Perez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA..
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4
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Hill WG, Zeidel ML, Bjorling DE, Vezina CM. Void spot assay: recommendations on the use of a simple micturition assay for mice. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2018; 315:F1422-F1429. [PMID: 30156116 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00350.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigators have for decades used mouse voiding patterns as end points for studying behavioral biology. It is only recently that mouse voiding patterns were adopted for study of lower urinary tract physiology. The spontaneous void spot assay (VSA), a popular micturition assessment tool, involves placing a mouse in an enclosure lined by filter paper and quantifying the resulting urine spot pattern. The VSA has advantages of being inexpensive and noninvasive, but some investigators challenge its ability to distinguish lower urinary tract function from behavioral voiding. A consensus group of investigators who regularly use the VSA was established by the National Institutes of Health in 2015 to address the strengths and weaknesses of the assay, determine whether it can be standardized across laboratories, and determine whether it can be used as a surrogate for evaluating urinary function. Here we leverage experience from the consensus group to review the history of the VSA and its uses, summarize experiments to optimize assay design for urinary physiology assessment, and make best practice recommendations for performing the assay and analyzing its results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren G Hill
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark L Zeidel
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dale E Bjorling
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin.,University of Wisconsin-Madison/University of Massachusetts-Boston, George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, Wisconsin and Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chad M Vezina
- University of Wisconsin-Madison/University of Massachusetts-Boston, George M. O'Brien Center for Benign Urologic Research, Madison, Wisconsin and Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin
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5
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Chen H, Zhang L, Hill WG, Yu W. Evaluating the voiding spot assay in mice: a simple method with complex environmental interactions. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2017; 313:F1274-F1280. [PMID: 28835420 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00318.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The voiding spot assay (VSA) on filter paper is an increasingly popular method for studying lower urinary tract physiology in mice. However, the ways VSAs are performed differ significantly between laboratories, and many variables are introduced compared with the mouse's normal housing situation. Rodents are intelligent social animals, and it is increasingly understood that social and environmental stresses have significant effects on their physiology. Surprisingly, little is known about whether change of environment during VSA affects mouse voiding and what the best methodologies are for retaining "natural" micturition patterns. It is well known that stress-related neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor is significantly elevated and induces dramatic voiding changes when rodents encounter stresses. Therefore we hypothesized that changes in the environmental situation could potentially alter voiding during VSA. We have examined multiple factors to test whether they affect female mouse voiding patterns during VSA, including cage type, cage floor, water availability, water bottle location, single or group housing, and different handlers. Our results indicate that mice are surprisingly sensitive to changes in cage type and floor surface, water bottle location, and single/group housing, each of which induces significant changes in voiding patterns, indicative of a stress response. In contrast, neither changing handler nor 4 h of water deprivation affected voiding patterns. Our data indicate that VSA should be performed under conditions as close as possible to the mouse's normal housing. Optimizing VSA methodology will be useful in uncovering voiding alterations in both genetic and disease models of lower urinary dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Chen
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Warren G Hill
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Weiqun Yu
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Lai HH, Shen B, Vijairania P, Zhang X, Vogt SK, Gereau RW. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment decreases bladder pain in cyclophosphamide cystitis: a Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network animal model study. BJU Int 2017; 120:576-583. [PMID: 28581681 DOI: 10.1111/bju.13924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-neutralizing antibodies can reduce pain and voiding dysfunction in the cyclophosphamide (CYP) cystitis model of bladder pain in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult female mice received anti-VEGF-neutralizing antibodies (10 mg/kg i.p. B20-4.1.1 VEGF mAb) or saline (control) pre-treatment, followed by CYP (150 mg/kg i.p.) to induce acute cystitis. Pelvic nociceptive responses were assessed by applying von Frey filaments to the pelvic area. Spontaneous micturition was assessed using the void spot assay. RESULTS Systemic anti-VEGF-neutralizing antibody treatment significantly reduced the pelvic nociceptive response to CYP cystitis compared with control (saline). In the anti-VEGF pre-treatment group, there was a significant increase in pelvic hypersensitivity, measured by the area under the curve (AUC) using von Frey filaments at 5 h post-CYP administration (P = 0.004); however, by 48 h and 96 h post-CYP administration, pelvic hypersensitivity had reduced by 54% and 47%, respectively, compared with the 5 h post-CYP administration time point, and were no longer significantly different from baseline (P = 0.22 and 0.17, respectively). There was no difference in urinary frequency and mean voided volume between the two pre-treatment groups. CONCLUSION Systemic blockade of VEGF signalling with anti-VEGF-neutralizing antibodies was effective in reducing pelvic/bladder pain in the CYP cystitis model of bladder pain. Our data support the further investigation of the use of anti-VEGF antibodies to manage bladder pain or visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Henry Lai
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.,Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Baixin Shen
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Pooja Vijairania
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sherri K Vogt
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robert W Gereau
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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7
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Sacco E, Bientinesi R, Bassi P, Currò D. Pharmacological methods for the preclinical assessment of therapeutics for OAB: an up-to-date review. Int Urogynecol J 2016; 27:1633-1644. [DOI: 10.1007/s00192-016-2977-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Burmeister D, Bishwokarma B, AbouShwareb T, Olson J, Herco M, Tan J, Andersson KE, Christ G. The potential utility of non-invasive imaging to monitor restoration of bladder structure and function following subtotal cystectomy (STC). BMC Urol 2015; 15:103. [PMID: 26463481 PMCID: PMC4604729 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-015-0094-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Restoration of normal bladder volume and function (i.e., bioequivalent bladder) are observed within 8 weeks of performing subtotal cystectomy (STC; removal of ~70 % of the bladder) in 12-week old rats. For analysis of bladder function in rodents, terminal urodynamic approaches are largely utilized. In the current study, we investigated the potential for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to noninvasively track restoration of structure and function following STC. Methods Twelve week old female Fisher F344 rats underwent STC and were scanned via CT and/or MRI 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-STC, followed by urodynamic testing. After euthanasia, bladders were excised for histological processing. Results MRI scans demonstrated an initial decline followed by a time-dependent increase to normal bladder wall thickness (BWT) by 8 weeks post-STC. Masson’s trichrome staining showed a lack of fibrosis post-STC, and also revealed that the percent of smooth muscle in the bladder wall at 2 and 4 weeks positively correlated with pre-operative baseline BWT. Moreover, increased BWT values before STC was predictive of improved bladder compliance at 2 and 4 weeks post-STC. Cystometric studies indicated that repeated MRI manipulation (i.e. bladder emptying) apparently had a negative impact on bladder capacity and compliance. A “window” of bladder volumes was identified 2 weeks post-STC via CT scanning that were commensurate with normal micturition pressures measured in the same animal 6 weeks later. Conclusions Taken together, the data indicate some limitations of “non-invasive” imaging to provide insight into bladder regeneration. Specifically, mechanical manipulation of the bladder during MRI appears to negatively impact the regenerative process per se, which highlights the importance of terminal cystometric studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Burmeister
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
| | - Bimjhana Bishwokarma
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
| | - Tamer AbouShwareb
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
| | - John Olson
- Wake Forest Department of Biomolecular Imaging, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
| | - Maja Herco
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
| | - Josh Tan
- Wake Forest Department of Biomolecular Imaging, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
| | - Karl-Erik Andersson
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
| | - George Christ
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 391 Technology Way, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA. .,Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Orthopaedic Surgery, and Laboratory of Regenerative Therapeutics, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
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Bjorling DE, Wang Z, Vezina CM, Ricke WA, Keil KP, Yu W, Guo L, Zeidel ML, Hill WG. Evaluation of voiding assays in mice: impact of genetic strains and sex. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2015; 308:F1369-78. [PMID: 25904700 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00072.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Void spot assays (VSA) and cystometry are two of the most common tests performed in mice to assess lower urinary tract function. Assay protocols and methodology vary greatly among laboratories, and little is known about reproducibility of results generated by different laboratories. We performed VSA in four mouse strains, comparing males with females and comparing results between two independent laboratories. Unique aspects of the current study include direct comparison of results of VSA performed in a similar manner in two locations and comparison of cystometry performed using two different rates of infusion in these two laboratories. Both assays were performed in male and female 129S1/SvImJ, C57BL/6J, NOD/ShiLtJ, and CAST/EiJ mice, and cystometry was performed under urethane anesthesia (10/group). Assays were performed and results analyzed as previously described. Results obtained in female mice were compared with previously reported values. Results of lower urinary tract function testing in mice vary in a consistent manner with strain and sex. Variables in husbandry, testing techniques, and analysis of results can significantly affect conclusions, particularly those obtained by cystometry. Although VSA results were remarkably similar between the two laboratories, consistent methods for performing lower urinary tract function testing in mice are required to compare results among studies with confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale E Bjorling
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin; Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin; University of Wisconsin O'Brien Urology Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin; and
| | - Zunyi Wang
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin; University of Wisconsin O'Brien Urology Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin; and
| | - Chad M Vezina
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin; University of Wisconsin O'Brien Urology Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin; and
| | - William A Ricke
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin; University of Wisconsin O'Brien Urology Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin; and
| | - Kimberly P Keil
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Weiqun Yu
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lianyu Guo
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark L Zeidel
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Warren G Hill
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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10
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Mathai JC, Zhou EH, Yu W, Kim JH, Zhou G, Liao Y, Sun TT, Fredberg JJ, Zeidel ML. Hypercompliant apical membranes of bladder umbrella cells. Biophys J 2015; 107:1273-9. [PMID: 25229135 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary bladder undergoes dramatic volume changes during filling and voiding cycles. In the bladder the luminal surface of terminally differentiated urothelial umbrella cells is almost completely covered by plaques. These plaques (500 to 1000 nm) are made of a family of proteins called uroplakins that are known to form a tight barrier to prevent leakage of water and solutes. Electron micrographs from previous studies show these plaques to be interconnected by hinge regions to form structures that appear rigid, but these same structures must accommodate large changes in cell shape during voiding and filling cycles. To resolve this paradox, we measured the stiffness of the intact, living urothelial apical membrane and found it to be highly deformable, even more so than the red blood cell membrane. The intermediate cells underlying the umbrella cells do not have uroplakins but their membranes are an order of magnitude stiffer. Using uroplakin knockout mouse models we show that cell compliance is conferred by uroplakins. This hypercompliance may be essential for the maintenance of barrier function under dramatic cell deformation during filling and voiding of the bladder.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Mathai
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Enhua H Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Weiqun Yu
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jae Hun Kim
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ge Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Yi Liao
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Tung-Tien Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Jeffrey J Fredberg
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark L Zeidel
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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11
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Keil KP, Abler LL, Altmann HM, Bushman W, Marker PC, Li L, Ricke WA, Bjorling DE, Vezina CM. Influence of animal husbandry practices on void spot assay outcomes in C57BL/6J male mice. Neurourol Urodyn 2014; 35:192-8. [PMID: 25394276 DOI: 10.1002/nau.22692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Mice are increasingly being used as models to investigate aspects of urinary dysfunction that humans with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) experience. One method used to examine voiding function is the spontaneous void spot assay. The purpose of this study was to characterize and identify animal husbandry conditions that might confound results of the spontaneous void spot assay in male C57Bl/6J mice. METHODS Mice were placed in cages lined with filter paper for 4 hr and urine was visualized with UV transillumination. Voiding parameters including urine spot number, spot size, total urine area, primary void area, corner and center voiding were quantified. RESULTS Adult male mice void more frequently with advancing age and a subpopulation (5-10%) display a frequent spotting pattern at 6-9 weeks of age. Voiding was not significantly different in male mice weaned to group housing (4-6 per cage) versus single housing, and was not altered when they were used as breeders. Voiding was changed upon transferring group housed adult males to single density cages, which decreased total urine area. Repeated assays of male voiding behavior over three consecutive days increased primary void area by the third day of monitoring and revealed that voiding behavior is impacted by routine cage changes and time of day. CONCLUSIONS Together these results identify housing and husbandry practices that influence male voiding behaviors in the spontaneous void spot assay and will inform voiding behavior analyses conducted with male C57Bl/6J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P Keil
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Lisa L Abler
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Helene M Altmann
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Wade Bushman
- Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Paul C Marker
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Lingjun Li
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - William A Ricke
- Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Dale E Bjorling
- Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Chad M Vezina
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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12
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Yu W, Ackert-Bicknell C, Larigakis JD, MacIver B, Steers WD, Churchill GA, Hill WG, Zeidel ML. Spontaneous voiding by mice reveals strain-specific lower urinary tract function to be a quantitative genetic trait. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2014; 306:F1296-307. [PMID: 24717733 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00074.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms become prevalent with aging and affect millions; however, therapy is often ineffective because the etiology is unknown. Existing assays of LUT function in animal models are often invasive; however, a noninvasive assay is required to study symptom progression and determine genetic correlates. Here, we present a spontaneous voiding assay that is simple, reproducible, quantitative, and noninvasive. Young female mice from eight inbred mouse strains (129S1/SvImJ, A/J, C57BL/6J, NOD/ShiLtJ, NZO/H1LtJ, CAST/EiJ, PWK/PhJ, and WSB/EiJ) were tested for urination patterns on filter paper. Repeat testing at different times of the day showed minimal within-individual and within-strain variations, but all parameters (spot number, total volume, percent area in primary void, corner voiding, and center voiding) exhibited significant variations between strains. Calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient, an estimate of broad-sense heritability, for each time of day and for each voiding parameter revealed highly significant heritability [spot number: 61%, percent urine in primary void: 90%, and total volume: 94% (afternoon data)]. Cystometrograms confirmed strong strain-specific urodynamic characteristics. Behavior-voiding correlation analysis showed no correlation with anxiety phenotypes. Diagnostically, the assay revealed LUT symptoms in several systems, including a demonstration of voiding abnormalities in older C57BL/6J mice (18-24 mo), in a model of protamine sulfate-induced urothelial damage and in a model of sucrose-induced diuresis. This assay may be used to derive pathophysiological LUT readouts from mouse models. Voiding characteristics are heritable traits, opening the way for genetic studies of LUT symptoms using outbred mouse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqun Yu
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachuesetts
| | | | - John D Larigakis
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachuesetts
| | - Bryce MacIver
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachuesetts
| | - William D Steers
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | | | - Warren G Hill
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachuesetts
| | - Mark L Zeidel
- Laboratory of Voiding Dysfunction, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachuesetts;
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13
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Daly DM, Nocchi L, Liaskos M, McKay NG, Chapple C, Grundy D. Age-related changes in afferent pathways and urothelial function in the male mouse bladder. J Physiol 2013; 592:537-49. [PMID: 24297847 PMCID: PMC3930438 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.262634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of lower urinary tract storage disorders such as overactive bladder syndrome and urinary incontinence significantly increase with age. Previous studies have demonstrated age-related changes in detrusor function and urothelial transmitter release but few studies have investigated how the urothelium and sensory pathways are affected. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ageing on urothelial-afferent signalling in the mouse bladder. Three-month-old control and 24-month-old aged male mice were used. In vivo natural voiding behaviour, sensory nerve activity, urothelial cell function, muscle contractility, transmitter release and gene and protein expression were measured to identify how all three components of the bladder (neural, contractile and urothelial) are affected by ageing. In aged mice, increased voiding frequency and enhanced low threshold afferent nerve activity was observed, suggesting that ageing induces overactivity and hypersensitivity of the bladder. These changes were concurrent with altered ATP and acetylcholine bioavailability, measured as transmitter overflow into the lumen, increased purinergic receptor sensitivity and raised P2X3 receptor expression in the urothelium. Taken together, these data suggest that ageing results in aberrant urothelial function, increased afferent mechanosensitivity, increased smooth muscle contractility, and changes in gene and protein expression (including of P2X3). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that ageing evokes changes in purinergic signalling from the bladder, and further studies are now required to fully validate this idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna M Daly
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
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14
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Gharaee-Kermani M, Rodriguez-Nieves JA, Mehra R, Vezina CA, Sarma AV, Macoska JA. Obesity-induced diabetes and lower urinary tract fibrosis promote urinary voiding dysfunction in a mouse model. Prostate 2013; 73:1123-33. [PMID: 23532836 PMCID: PMC5512573 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive aging- and inflammation-associated fibrosis effectively remodels the extracellular matrix (ECM) to increase prostate tissue stiffness and reduce urethral flexibility, resulting in urinary flow obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). In the current study, we sought to test whether senescence-accelerated mouse prone (SAMP)6 mice, which were reported to develop prostatic fibrosis, would also develop LUTS, and whether these symptoms would be exacerbated by diet-induced obesity and concurrent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). METHODS To accomplish this, SAMP6 and AKR/J background strain mice were fed regular mouse chow, low fat diet chow, or high fat diet chow for 8 months, then subjected to glucose tolerance tests, assessed for plasma insulin levels, evaluated for urinary voiding function, and assessed for lower urinary tract fibrosis. RESULTS The results of these studies show that SAMP6 mice and AKR/J background strain mice develop diet-induced obesity and T2DM concurrent with urinary voiding dysfunction. Moreover, urinary voiding dysfunction was more severe in SAMP6 than AKR/J mice and was associated with pronounced prostatic and urethral tissue fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these studies suggest that obesity, T2DM, lower urinary tract fibrosis, and urinary voiding dysfunction are inextricably and biologically linked.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose A. Rodriguez-Nieves
- The Department of Urology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- The Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Rohit Mehra
- The Department of Pathology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Chad A. Vezina
- The Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Aruna V. Sarma
- The Department of Urology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jill A. Macoska
- The Department of Urology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- The Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Correspondence to: Jill A. Macoska, PhD, Department of Urology, The University of Michigan, 6217 Cancer Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0944.
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15
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Stephany HA, Strand DW, Ching CB, Tanaka ST, Milne GL, Cajaiba MM, Thomas JC, Pope JC, Adams MC, Brock JW, Hayward SW, Matusik RJ, Clayton DB. Chronic cyclic bladder over distention up-regulates hypoxia dependent pathways. J Urol 2013; 190:1603-9. [PMID: 23429070 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Bladder over distention secondary to anatomical or functional obstruction can eventually lead to pathological changes, including decreased elasticity and contractile dysfunction. We hypothesized that chronic bladder distention in a murine model would activate hypoxia dependent signaling pathways despite intermittent relief of distention. MATERIALS AND METHODS Female C57Bl/6 mice were oophorectomized at age 5 to 6 weeks and underwent urethral catheterization and 90-minute bladder distention. Acute and chronic time points were evaluated. Bladder tissue was harvested for hematoxylin and eosin, and immunohistochemical staining with the hypoxia markers Glut-1 (EMD Millipore, Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) and Hypoxyprobe™-1. Bladder tissue was also harvested for real-time polymerase chain reaction and oxidative stress measurement. Hypoxia polymerase chain reaction arrays were done to determine changes in gene expression. Oxidative stress was measured using F2-IsoP. Functional bladder changes were evaluated using voided urine blots. RESULTS After acute distention and 5 consecutive distentions, bladders showed marked inflammatory changes on hematoxylin and eosin staining, and evidence of tissue hypoxia on immunohistochemistry. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed up-regulation of hypoxia and oxidative stress related genes, including Hif1a, Arnt2, Ctgf, Gpx1 and Hmox1. Measurements of oxidative stress with F2-IsoP did not change. Voided urine blots before and after bladder distention showed marked changes with an overactive voiding pattern. CONCLUSIONS Chronic bladder distention is possible in the female mouse. It generates hypoxic injury, as characterized functionally by increased voiding patterns. This bladder injury model might more closely replicate bladder dysfunction in patients with poor bladder emptying due to neurological disease, including those noncompliant with intermittent catheterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi A Stephany
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
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16
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Mitra S, Lukianov S, Ruiz WG, Cianciolo Cosentino C, Sanker S, Traub LM, Hukriede NA, Apodaca G. Requirement for a uroplakin 3a-like protein in the development of zebrafish pronephric tubule epithelial cell function, morphogenesis, and polarity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41816. [PMID: 22848617 PMCID: PMC3404999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Uroplakin (UP)3a is critical for urinary tract development and function; however, its role in these processes is unknown. We examined the function of the UP3a-like protein Upk3l, which was expressed at the apical surfaces of the epithelial cells that line the pronephric tubules (PTs) of the zebrafish pronephros. Embryos treated with upk3l-targeted morpholinos showed decreased pronephros function, which was attributed to defects in PT epithelial cell morphogenesis and polarization including: loss of an apical brush border and associated phospho-ERM proteins, apical redistribution of the basolateral Na+/K+–ATPase, and altered or diminished expression of the apical polarity complex proteins Prkcz (atypical protein kinase C zeta) and Pard3 (Par3). Upk3l missing its C-terminal cytoplasmic domain or containing mutations in conserved tyrosine or proline residues did not rescue, or only partially rescued the effects of Upk3l depletion. Our studies indicate that Upk3l promotes epithelial polarization and morphogenesis, likely by forming or stimulating interactions with cytoplasmic signaling or polarity proteins, and that defects in this process may underlie the pathology observed in UP3a knockout mice or patients with renal abnormalities that result from altered UP3a expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Mitra
- Department of Medicine Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Stefan Lukianov
- Department of Medicine Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Wily G. Ruiz
- Department of Medicine Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Chiara Cianciolo Cosentino
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Subramaniam Sanker
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Linton M. Traub
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Neil A. Hukriede
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gerard Apodaca
- Department of Medicine Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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BALB/c-Fcgr2bPdcd1 mouse expressing anti-urothelial antibody is a novel model of autoimmune cystitis. Sci Rep 2012; 2:317. [PMID: 22432050 PMCID: PMC3307042 DOI: 10.1038/srep00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the impact of anti-urothelial autoantibody (AUAb) on urinary bladder phenotype in BALB/c mice deficient of the FcγRIIb and PD-1. AUAb was present in serum samples from approximately half of the double-knockout (DKO) mice, as detected by immunofluorescence and immunoblots for urothelial proteins including uroplakin IIIa. The AUAb-positive DKO mice showed degeneration of urothelial plaque and umbrella cells, along with infiltration of inflammatory cells in the suburothelial layer. TNFα and IL-1β were upregulated in the bladder and the urine of AUAb-positive DKO mice. Voiding behavior of mice was analyzed by the Voided Stain on Paper method. 10-week-old and older AUAb-positive DKO mice voided significantly less urine per void than did wild type (WT) mice. Furthermore, administration of the AUAb-containing serum to WT mice significantly reduced their urine volume per void. In summary, this report presents a novel comprehensive mouse model of autoimmune cystitis.
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18
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Zocher F, Zeidel ML, Missner A, Sun TT, Zhou G, Liao Y, von Bodungen M, Hill WG, Meyers S, Pohl P, Mathai JC. Uroplakins do not restrict CO2 transport through urothelium. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:11011-7. [PMID: 22315218 PMCID: PMC3322830 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.339283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid bilayers and biological membranes are freely permeable to CO2, and yet partial CO2 pressure in the urine is 3–4-fold higher than in blood. We hypothesized that the responsible permeability barrier to CO2 resides in the umbrella cell apical membrane of the bladder with its dense array of uroplakin complexes. We found that disrupting the uroplakin layer of the urothelium resulted in water and urea permeabilities (P) that were 7- to 8-fold higher than in wild type mice with intact urothelium. However, these interventions had no impact on bladder PCO2 (∼1.6 × 10−4 cm/s). To test whether the observed permeability barrier to CO2 was due to an unstirred layer effect or due to kinetics of CO2 hydration, we first measured the carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity of the bladder epithelium. Finding none, we reduced the experimental system to an epithelial monolayer, Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. With CA present inside and outside the cells, we showed that PCO2 was unstirred layer limited (∼7 × 10−3 cm/s). However, in the total absence of CA activity PCO2 decreased 14-fold (∼ 5.1 × 10−4 cm/s), indicating that now CO2 transport is limited by the kinetics of CO2 hydration. Expression of aquaporin-1 did not alter PCO2 (and thus the limiting transport step), which confirmed the conclusion that in the urinary bladder, low PCO2 is due to the lack of CA. The observed dependence of PCO2 on CA activity suggests that the tightness of biological membranes to CO2 may uniquely be regulated via CA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Zocher
- Institut für Biophysik, Johannes Kepler Universität, 4020 Linz, Austria
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