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L6‐S1 spinal nerve stimulation reduces micturition frequency in anaesthetized rats with cyclophosphamide‐induced cystitis
Author(s) -
GIULIANO FRANÇOIS A.,
DENYS PIERRE,
CHARTIERKASTLER EMMANUEL,
ALEXANDRE LAURENT,
BERNABE JACQUES
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
bju international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 1464-4096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2005.05914.x
Subject(s) - cystometry , cyclophosphamide , medicine , urination , stimulation , urology , urinary bladder , anesthesia , irritation , pathophysiology , urinary system , chemotherapy , immunology
OBJECTIVE To further investigate the rationale for using spinal nerve stimulation (SNS) for treating bladder overactivity associated with cystitis in a rat model of cyclophosphamide‐induced cystitis, as several studies suggested that symptoms associated with chronic cystitis could be treated using stimulation of sacral spinal nerves, but the mechanisms by which it works are unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cystitis was induced by i.p. injection of cyclophosphamide 48 h before the experiments in anaesthetized male rats. Neurograms were taken by placing a recording electrode onto the pelvic nerve and a stimulating electrode on either the L6 or S1 ipsilateral spinal nerves. Two selected intensities were then evaluated for SNS in control and cyclophosphamide‐treated rats during cystometry. RESULTS Cyclophosphamide resulted in significant bladder overactivity. There was no apparent difference in the neurograms generated in response to SNS of the S1 and L6 spinal nerves, and between cyclophosphamide and control rats. Intensities of 200 µA (Aδ‐fibre‐specific) and 2 mA (Aδ+ C‐fibres) were chosen for SNS. Continuous SNS at 200 µA significantly reduced the frequency of voiding and non‐voiding contractions in cyclophosphamide‐treated rats. SNS at 2 mA resulted in the abolition of voiding contractions, accompanied by continuous leakage of urine. CONCLUSION SNS recruiting only Aδ‐fibre produced fewer voiding contractions in cyclophosphamide‐treated rats, to a level similar to that from the control rats. These results support the ability of SNS to decrease bladder overactivity in a pathophysiological model of chemical irritation of the bladder.