Both cats and humans with interstitial cystitis (IC) have exacerbation of clinical signs during stressful periods. Based on previous studies, it is hypothesized that IC cats have a downregulation of their alpha-2 adrenoceptors (alpha2-AR), probably mediated by an increase in norepinephrine (NE). Stress can increase NE release and downregulate alpha2-AR, suppressing their ability to block painful input from the bladder sensory neurons. Autoradiography will be utilized to evaluate alpha2-AR in the bladder trigone and urethra as well as the locus coeruleus in both healthy and affected cats. Twenty four hour urine NE and cerebral spinal fluid will also be analyzed in both populations. Guanfacine, an alpha2-AR agonist, has been shown to decrease plasma norepinephrine. It will be used to assess inhibition of sympathetic outflow on functional sensitivity and anatomic density of alpha2-AR. Urethral and bladder strips from IC cats and healthy cats will be obtained to determine the effect of guanfacine on receptor function in vitro. These studies may prove beneficial in determining the appropriate therapy for clinical signs of IC in humans.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32DK009958-04
Application #
6741875
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-UROL (01))
Program Officer
Moen, Laura K
Project Start
2002-02-01
Project End
Budget Start
2003-02-01
Budget End
2004-01-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$27,308
Indirect Cost
Name
Ohio State University
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
071650709
City
Columbus
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
43210
Westropp, Jodi L; Kass, Philip H; Buffington, C A Tony (2007) In vivo evaluation of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in cats with idiopathic cystitis. Am J Vet Res 68:203-7
Westropp, Jodi L; Kass, Philip H; Buffington, C A T (2006) Evaluation of the effects of stress in cats with idiopathic cystitis. Am J Vet Res 67:731-6
Westropp, Jodi L; Welk, Kristin A; Buffington, C A Tony (2003) Small adrenal glands in cats with feline interstitial cystitis. J Urol 170:2494-7