Structural Changes of the Urinary Bladder After Chronic Complete Spinal Cord Injury in Minipigs

Int Neurourol J, 2017 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.5213/inj.1732666.333 · Published: March 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the impact of chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) on the structure of the urinary bladder in minipigs, focusing on changes in bladder wall proteins. The research involved inducing SCI in minipigs and observing changes in their bladder tissue over four months, comparing them to healthy minipig bladders. The study found that chronic SCI leads to significant changes in the bladder wall, including increased thickness, loss of smooth muscle, and changes in collagen and elastin.

Study Duration

4 months

Participants

7 Göttingen minipigs (adult, female) with SCI, 6 healthy minipigs

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Chronic SCI significantly increased bladder wall thickness in minipigs.
2
SCI caused a significant loss of smooth muscle tissue and an increase in connective tissue in the bladder wall.
3
Elastic fibers in the bladder wall were reduced in number and altered in structure after SCI, and there were significant changes in collagen types I and III.

Research Summary

This study aimed to determine the structural changes of the urinary bladder after chronic SCI in minipigs, with a focus on the analysis of urinary bladder wall proteins and their quantitative distribution. The study found that chronic SCI leads to fibrotic events in the urinary bladder wall, resulting in reduced contractile and elastic properties due to changes in protein composition. The observed changes detail how SCI severely influences urinary bladder wall composition and demonstrate similarities between minipigs and humans, which can help better understand clinical aspects.

Practical Implications

Understanding Pathophysiology

The study provides insights into the pathomechanisms of LUT impairment post-SCI, offering a translational animal model for subsequent studies.

Future Treatment Strategies

The research suggests potential future treatment strategies for patients with SCI-induced bladder dysfunction by highlighting the fibrotic changes in the bladder wall.

Clinical Relevance

The similarities between minipig and human bladder changes after SCI can help better understand and interpret functional clinical aspects of SCI-related bladder issues.

Study Limitations

1
The study could not integrate a permanent bladder monitoring system to properly monitor liquid intake and incontinence episodes.
2
Functional studies are needed to confirm the structural alterations and their impact on bladder contractility.
3
The limited sample size may affect the generalizability of the findings.

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