Cystometric and External Urethral Sphincter Measurements in Awake Rats with Implanted Catheter and Electrodes Allowing for Repeated Measurements

Journal of Visualized Experiments, 2018 · DOI: doi:10.3791/56506 · Published: January 30, 2018

Urology Physiology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study focuses on measuring urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter function in awake rats using implanted catheters and electrodes. This allows for repeated measurements over time. The technique involves surgically implanting a bladder catheter and electrodes near the external urethral sphincter, then connecting them to a harness for easy measurement in awake, lightly restrained rats. This method is useful for monitoring lower urinary tract function in healthy rats, after injury or disease induction, and during treatment evaluations, providing a more accurate representation of bladder function compared to anesthetized models.

Study Duration

4 Weeks

Participants

Female, 12-week-old Lewis rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The success rate for the surgical procedure and maintaining the implanted devices intact is approximately 80%.
2
Cystometric measurements typically require 20 to 40 minutes to record three consecutive voiding cycles.
3
Consecutive cystometric measurements can be performed for at least four weeks post-surgery, allowing for longitudinal monitoring of lower urinary tract function.

Research Summary

This article describes a surgical and measurement protocol for assessing lower urinary tract function in awake rats, using implanted catheters and electrodes to simultaneously monitor the urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter. The technique allows for repeated measurements over time, enabling the study of disease progression and treatment efficacy in the same animal. The main advantage is the simultaneous and awake measurement of the urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter which provides more translational data.

Practical Implications

Improved Understanding of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

This technique enables more accurate and translational studies of lower urinary tract function and dysfunction in animal models, leading to a better understanding of conditions like neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD).

Enhanced Drug Development

The ability to monitor treatment efficacy over time allows for improved evaluation of new therapeutic interventions for urinary disorders.

Refined Animal Models

Using awake animals reduces the confounding effects of anesthesia, providing more reliable and clinically relevant data.

Study Limitations

1
Inter-animal variability in cystometric recordings.
2
Potential structural changes in the urinary bladder tissue due to the implanted catheter.
3
The applicability and outcomes for male rats have not yet been examined.

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