Bladder Inflammation Effects on Neuropeptides in Female Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Amber D Shaffer, Chelsea L Ball, Meredith T Robbins, Timothy J Ness, Alan Randich
Primary Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Hypothesis
How does acute adult and early-in-life bladder inflammation affect bladder neuropeptides in adult female rats?
Conclusion
Bladder inflammation increases neuropeptides CGRP and SP, especially during the proestrus phase of the estrous cycle, and early-life exposure to inflammation can have lasting effects into adulthood.
Supporting Evidence
- CGRP and SP levels were significantly increased in inflamed rats during proestrus.
- EIL exposure to bladder inflammation produced lasting increases in CGRP and SP.
- Estradiol levels were significantly reduced in inflamed rats.
Takeaway
When female rats have bladder inflammation, it makes certain chemicals in their bladders go up, which can make them feel more pain. If they had inflammation when they were young, it can make the problem worse when they grow up.
Methodology
The study involved administering zymosan or anesthesia to adult female rats and measuring bladder content of neuropeptides after 24 hours.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the specific strain of rats used and the controlled laboratory conditions.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on female rats, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations.
Participant Demographics
12-14 week old female Sprague-Dawley rats.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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