Rodent models for urodynamic investigation

Abstract

Rodents, most commonly rats, mice, and guinea pigs are widely used to investigate urinary storage and voiding functions, both in normal animals and in models of disease. An often used methodology is cystometry. Micturitions in rodents and humans differ significantly and this must be considered when cystometry is used to interpret voiding in rodent models. Cystometry in humans requires active participation of the investigated patient (subject), and this can for obvious reasons not be achieved in the animals. Cystometric parameters in rodents are often poorly defined and do not correspond to those used in humans. This means that it is important that the terminology used for description of what is measured should be defined, and that the specific terminology used in human cystometry should be avoided. Available disease models in rodents have limited translational value, but despite many limitations, rodent cystometry may give important information on bladder physiology and pharmacology. The present review discusses the principles of urodynamics in rodents, techniques, and terminology, as well as some commonly used disease models, and their translational value.

Bitter triggers acetylcholine release from polymodal urethral chemosensory cells and bladder reflexes

“…Because urethral sensory nerve fibers are known to be linked to the micturition reflex and to coordinate muscle constriction of the bladder and urethra (25), we assessed for reflex coupling between urethral bitter sensing and detrusor activity. The mouse urethra is too small to allow simultaneous cystometric recording of intravesical pressure and urethral manipulation, and thus rat is the model of choice for this purpose (26).…”

Combination of bladder ultrasonography and novel cystometry method in mice reveals rapid decrease in bladder capacity and compliance in LPS-induced cystitis

“…To investigate the molecular bases of bladder dysfunction, some animal models have been used and have provided important information on bladder physiology and pharmacology (1). Because of its feasibility for genetic modification and abundant databases, the mouse has become a highly useful model for biological research.…”

“…Despite several advantages over other animals, mice remain less popular animal models in research into bladder function, the major reason being the difficulties in functional analysis of the mouse bladder. In vivo cystometry is a most common method of analyzing bladder function, but it is rather difficult to perform reliably in mice (1). Actually, the cystometric voided volume (VV) of the normal mouse varies widely between 29 and 168 l according to previous reports (9,17,23,24).…”

DFL23448, A Novel Transient Receptor Potential Melastin 8-Selective Ion Channel Antagonist, Modifies Bladder Function and Reduces Bladder Overactivity in Awake Rats

“…In humans, peripheral TRPM8 plasticity has been suggested to be associated with overactive and painful bladder syndromes in humans (Mukerji et al, 2006). Various models are available to simulate these conditions; of these, acute administrations of agents into the bladder are common and conveniently performed to stimulate specific receptors or to produce inflammation/hypersensitivity (Andersson et al, 2011). In this study, we used intravesical infusion of PGE 2 , which causes bladder overactivity in rodents and in humans (Andersson et al, 2011).…”

“…Various models are available to simulate these conditions; of these, acute administrations of agents into the bladder are common and conveniently performed to stimulate specific receptors or to produce inflammation/hypersensitivity (Andersson et al, 2011). In this study, we used intravesical infusion of PGE 2 , which causes bladder overactivity in rodents and in humans (Andersson et al, 2011). Levels of PGE 2 have also been reported to increase in urine from patients with overactive bladders and PGE 2 has been proposed as a biomarker for the condition (Kim et al, 2005(Kim et al, , 2006Cho et al, 2013).…”