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Rat Model for the Study of the Effect of Peroneal Nerve Stimulation on Bladder Function
Reine Kanaan, PhD1, Hunter R. Myers, MD
2, Lilla Erdos, B.Sc.
2, Jan Krhut, MD, PhD
3, Benjamin R. King, MD
2, Peter Zvara, MD, PhD
1.
1University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark,
2University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA,
3Ostrava University, Ostrava, Czech Republic.
BACKGROUND: Neuromodulation using peroneal nerve stimulation has been recently developed and its efficacy in the treatment of overactive bladder was documented in early clinical trials. We hypothesized that peroneal neurostimulation can suppress detrusor overactivity in a rat model of bladder dysfunction. Thus, the aim of this study was first, to develop surgical technique for exposure and stimulation of the peroneal nerve in anesthetized rats and second, to perform cystometry before, during and immediately after peroneal nerve stimulation.
METHODS: Female Sprague Dawley rats were implanted with an intravesical catheter five days prior to cystometry. Peroneal nerve was exposed and bipolar 125 µm Teflon-coated silver wire electrode was placed under the nerve, secured and isolated from surrounding tissue using a biocompatible silicone glue. Subsequently, we assessed bladder function using anesthetized cystometry during infusion of 0.5% acid before, during and after sixty minutes long peroneal nerve stimulation. Urethane anesthesia was used during cystometry recording.
RESULTS: Peroneal nerve stimulation induced rhythmic dorsal flection of the foot. Stimulation intensity at 3 times the motor threshold using a frequency of 10Hz, resulted in an excitatory effect on the bladder, as evident from reduced bladder capacity and decreased bladder compliance in course of stimulation. This effect was not seen in the post-stimulation phase. No statistically significant effect on bladder pressure parameters was observed during and after stimulation.
CONCLUSIONS: This new rat model is suitable for study of the effect of the peroneal nerve stimulation on the lower urinary tract function. With exception of decrease of bladder capacity and compliance, the cystometry parameters recorded in this study did not change significantly. This could be attributed to the type of animal model of bladder dysfunction used or stimulation parameters. This study will continue using new more clinically relevant model of stress.
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