Modulatory effects of intravesical P2X2/3R inhibition on the lower urinary tract electromyographic properties and voiding function of female rats with moderate or severe spinal cord injury

BJU Int, 2019 · DOI: 10.1111/bju.14561 · Published: March 1, 2019

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how blocking P2X2/3 receptors in the bladder affects bladder function in female rats after spinal cord injury (SCI). The severity of SCI and the time after injury were considered. The researchers measured electrical signals and pressure changes in the bladder to understand how the P2X2/3 receptors contribute to bladder control after SCI. The findings suggest that inhibiting these receptors can help manage bladder function in the early stages of moderate SCI, but not in severe SCI, indicating a potential therapeutic target with limitations.

Study Duration

4 Weeks

Participants

Female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Severe SCI increased bladder contraction frequency and reduced bladder pressure amplitude and intraluminal-pressure high-frequency oscillations (IPHFO).
2
Intravesical P2X2/3R inhibition increased the intercontractile interval in Sham and moderate SCI rats, but had no effect on animals with severe SCI.
3
Electrophysiological properties of the LUT are progressively impaired depending on SCI intensity and that intravesical P2X2/3R inhibition can attenuate electrical activity in the neurogenic LUT at early, but not at semi-chronic SCI.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that electrophysiological properties of the LUT are progressively impaired depending on SCI intensity and that intravesical P2X2/3R inhibition can attenuate electrical activity in the neurogenic LUT at early, but not at semi-chronic SCI. The study found that severe SCI significantly altered cystometric parameters, while intravesical P2X2/3R inhibition increased intercontractile intervals in Sham and moderate SCI animals but not in severe SCI animals. Electrical signals in the EUS were significantly impaired after four weeks, and intravesical inhibition of P2X2/3R remarkably attenuated EUS responsiveness during voiding contractions.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

P2X2/3R antagonists may be a potential pharmacotherapy for neurogenic LUT symptoms, particularly in early stages of moderate SCI.

Clinical Evaluation Planning

The study provides useful information for planning clinical evaluations of P2X2/3R antagonists for treating neurogenic LUT dysfunction.

Understanding Micturition Physiology

The research elucidates details about the physiology of micturition, the role of P2X2/3R, and the dysfunction of the neurogenic LUT after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Experiments were performed with animals in a supine position, which can affect the normal micturition process.
2
Surgical procedures for electrode placement may make the electrophysiological evaluation very invasive.
3
Voiding efficiency/capacity was not calculated.

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