In cases of lower urinary tract disorders, the bladder has been extensively studied, and the urethra remains largely ignored. Thus, the long-term objective of this research project is to understand how the functionality and tissue properties of the female rat urethra are affected by SUI and SCI. Since longitudinally and circumferentially oriented smooth and striated muscle comprise the urethra, the current ex vivo urethral testing system will be modified so that longitudinal tension can be measured simultaneously with the circumferential measurements. The animal model for stress urinary incontinence will involve birth simulation by vaginally distending a rat with a balloon catheter, and the spinal cord injury will be achieved by transection of the spinal cord (segments T-8 to T-10). Urethras will be excised and tied onto tees of the modified ex vivo physiological system where they will be assessed for biomechanical properties (e.g. incremental compliance, elastic modulus and beta stiffness) and smooth and striated muscle function. This data will be correlated to histological findings (e.g. smooth and striated muscle quantification, collagen and elastin quantification, and nerve damage assessments), and all pathologic data will be compared to healthy controls. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31EB004738-03
Application #
7111048
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-DIG-B (21))
Program Officer
Erim, Zeynep
Project Start
2004-09-30
Project End
2007-08-31
Budget Start
2006-09-01
Budget End
2007-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$41,104
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Surgery
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Prantil-Baun, Rachelle; de Groat, William C; Miyazato, Minoru et al. (2010) Ex vivo biomechanical, functional, and immunohistochemical alterations of adrenergic responses in the female urethra in a rat model of birth trauma. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 299:F316-24
Prantil, Rachelle L; Jankowski, Ron J; Kaiho, Yasuhiro et al. (2007) Ex vivo biomechanical properties of the female urethra in a rat model of birth trauma. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 292:F1229-37