Pathogenesis of acute radiation effects in the urinary bladder. Experimental results.
OBJECTIVE
The present review summarizes experimental studies of the pathogenesis of acute radiation-induced changes in urinary bladder function.


METHODS
Transurethral cystometry was used for longitudinal assessment of bladder function in mice. With this technique, radiation-induced changes in storage capacity can be quantified. In histological studies, changes in urothelial cell density and in urothelial protein expression during the acute radiation response were determined. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was used for the treatment of acute functional changes.


RESULTS
The histological studies did not reveal any systematic fluctuations in urothelial cell density during the time of the acute radiation response. However, characteristic changes in the expression of proteins associated with urothelial cell function, differentiation and cell contact were observed, which correlated with the functional impairment. By local or systematical application of ASA, a significant restoration of bladder function compared to placebo treatment could be achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute functional radiation effects in the urinary bladder are not based on urothelial denudation. However, changes in protein expression indicate an impairment of the urothelial barrier function. The results of ASA treatment demonstrate that prostaglandins are involved in the response. Alterations in urothelial or endothelial prostaglandin metabolism may be primarily radiation-induced or secondary because of the impaired urothelial barrier.
Dörr
W
W
Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden. DOERR@RCS.URZ.TU-DRESDEN.DE
Eckhardt
M
M
Ehme
A
A
Koi
S
S
D000818:Animals; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D051379:Mice; D011833:Radiation Injuries, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D019459:Urothelium / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*
D001241:Aspirin