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The effect of ovariectomy and oestrogen therapy on the free fatty acid content, endogenous lipase activity, and phospholipid content of the rabbit urinary bladder
Author(s) -
Lin WeiYu,
Radu Florian,
Schuler Catherine,
Leggett Robert E.,
Mannikarottu Anita,
Levin Robert M.
Publication year - 2008
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.2008.07746.x
Subject(s) - endocrinology , medicine , phospholipid , menopause , urinary system , cystometry , urinary bladder , endogeny , contractility , fatty acid , overactive bladder , chemistry , pathology , biochemistry , alternative medicine , membrane
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of ovariectomy (Ovx) and oestrogen therapy on the free fatty acid (FFA) content, endogenous lipase activity, and the phospholipid (PL) content of the urinary bladder, as reduced circulating oestrogen during and after the menopause has been linked to various bladder dysfunctions including incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS In all, 12 New Zealand White female rabbits were separated into three groups; the Ovx + oestrogen group received Ovx and treatment with conjugated β‐oestradiol (3 weeks), the Ovx group received Ovx and vehicle (3 weeks), and the control group received sham operation and vehicle. Cystometry was used to evaluate compliance and in vitro muscle strip studies quantified contractility. For the bulk of the bladder, the muscle and mucosa were separated; FFA and PL concentrations were analysed using standard biochemical techniques. RESULTS The bladder contractile responses and compliance decreased after Ovx and returned to or above normal after oestrogen administration. Both FFA and PL concentrations of the mucosa were about three times greater than that of the smooth muscle. Ovx significantly reduced the FFA and PL concentrations of both muscle and mucosa, while oestrogen therapy restored them to normal. CONCLUSIONS Reduced FFA and PL content of the smooth muscle membranes would decrease their fluidity and contribute to decreased compliance and contractility. Reduced FFA and PL content of the mucosa would be consistent with mucosal damage and may contribute to the increased incidences of incontinence and bladder infection.