Urological complications are one of the most common and devastating health problems for SCI patients. Yet this important field has not received significant research attention. Especially lacking is collaboration among urologists, rehabilitation physicists and basic scientists. The Collaborative Urologic Research Program in SCI (CURP-SCI) at the University of Pittsburgh was organized in 1998 to build upon the strengths of the large number of laboratories interested in SCI neurophysiology, cellular biology, tissue mechanics and advanced therapeutics. The goal of the CURP-SCI is to foster collaborative, interdisciplinary research programs with the aim of developing a rational therapy for SCI urologic dysfunction. There are four Projects and three Cores in the Program: Project 1. Mechanisms of detrusor hyperreflexia development after SCI (William de Groat, Pharmacology); Project 2. Alterations in bladder mechanics in SCI (Michael Sacks, Biomechanics); Project 3. Biomarkers of bladder cancer in SCI individuals (Robert Getzenberg, Urology and Pittsburgh Cancer Institute); and Project 4. Novel intervention strategies for neurogenic bladder (Michael Chancellor, Urology). The Cores are: A. Administrative Core (Michael Chancellor); B. Patient and Tissue Banking Core (Rajiv Dhir); and C. SCI Animal Core (William de Groat). Although all four projects will have animal studies, there is also focus on clinical correlation and improvement of care for SCI patients. Project 4 (Dr. Chancellor) will bridge a study of intravesical vanilloids in animal models and concurrent clinical trial of intravesical resiniferatoxin (RTX) in neurogenic bladder patients. Projects 2 and 3 will also have direct clinical correlation with analysis of human bladder tissue and urine (Core B). The program is integrated with the regional SCI and MS programs that serve over 2.5 million people. Dr. John Horton, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, is the Director of the SCI Clinical Program. Diane Borello-France, Ph.D., Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Medicine, will oversee and direct clinical outcome and data analysis. This Program builds on the commitment of the participants to SCI research and the synergistic and collaborative history of the laboratories. It takes advantage of the considerable resources of the university and will be carried out in the more than 25,000 s.f. of fully equipped laboratory and clinical space. This Program is important for the advancement of patient care and basic understanding of SCI and neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
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