title: Noxious electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor and vagina induces transient voiding dysfunction in a rabbit survival model of pelvic floor dystonia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Existing data supports a relationship between pelvic floor dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms. We developed a survival model of pelvic floor dysfunction in the rabbit and evaluated cystometric (CMG), electromyographic (EMG) and ambulatory voiding behavior.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve female adult virgin rabbits were housed in metabolic cages to record voiding and defecation. Anesthetized CMG/EMG was performed before and after treatment animals (n=9) received bilateral tetanizing needle stimulation to the pubococcygeous (PC) muscle and controls (n=3) sham needle placement. After 7 days all animals were subjected to tetanizing transvaginal stimulation and CMG/EMG. After 5 days a final CMG/EMG was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of rabbits that underwent needle stimulation 7 of 9 (78%) demonstrated dysfunctional CMG micturition contractions versus 6 of 12 (50%) after transvaginal stimulation. Needle stimulation of the PC musculature resulted in significant changes in: basal CMG pressure, precontraction pressure change, contraction pressure, interval between contractions and postvoid residual; with time to 3rd contraction increased from 38 to 53 minutes (p=0.008 vs. prestimulation). Vaginal noxious stimulation resulted in significant changes in: basal CMG pressure and interval between contractions; with time to 3rd contraction increased from 37 to 46 minutes (p=0.008 vs. prestimulation). Changes in cage parameters were primarily seen after direct needle stimulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In a majority of animals, tetanizing electrical stimulation of the rabbit pelvic floor resulted in voiding changes suggestive of pelvic floor dysfunction as characterized by a larger bladder capacity, longer interval between contractions and prolonged contraction duration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. ; Division of Urology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Amy D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Dobberfuhl
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Spettel
authors.affiliation: Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schuler
authors.affiliation: Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Dubin
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Elise J B
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: De
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004421:Dystonia / Q000209:etiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000503:physiopathology*; D059952:Pelvic Floor Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011817:Rabbits; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000503:physiopathology; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000209:etiology*; D014554:Urination / Q000502:physiology; D014556:Urine; D014621:Vagina / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: Animal models; Dystonia; Pelvic floor; Urination; Vagina