Urodynamic Evaluation of Experimental Rat Models of Urinary Bladder Overactivity: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Backgrounds

In vivo experimental models of overactive bladder (OAB) have been frequently used as tools to explore the OAB. It is unquestionable that animal OAB models should closely resemble the OAB in humans. It is crucial for further understanding its pathophysiology, as well as for the development of new pharmacological therapies to treat the bladder overactivity.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Many in vivo experimental models of overactive bladder (OAB) have been frequently used as tools to explore the pathophysiology and therapeutical options for the treatment of OAB. However, there is no standard recommendation according to the OAB model.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to perform a systematic revision of the literature to identify articles devoted to the experimental models of OAB. The following review is focused on the backgrounds, methodology, and outcomes of the described models.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

This review is based on a systemic literature research. The MedLine, Embase, and Web of Science databases were browsed in order to identify original and review articles, as well as editorials relating to “overactive bladder,” “urodynamic evaluation,” “cystometry,” “experimental model,” “methodology,” and “rat” in urinary bladder dysfunction. The controlled vocabulary of the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) database was used to ensure sensitivity of the searches.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS AND CONCLUSIONS

Different OAB models in conscious and anesthetized rats were described. However, a wide range of differences in experimental protocols concerning urodynamic evaluation of bladder motor activity was observed. Also, in the majority of papers the way of calibration of intravesical pressure measurement systems is not mentioned. All these factors could exert influence on bladder motor activity recordings and, consequently, could lead to differences in cystometrogram traces and cystometric parameters values even though the same experimental protocol was used. Therefore, the standardization of cystometric protocol seems to be pivotal for correct bladder motor activity assessment. Based on our experience and the previously described studies we suggest some steps that should always be taken to minimize the artifacts occurrence during cystometry.

Keywords

overactive bladder, cystometry, rat, method