Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP26-04
Sources of Funding: none

Introduction

Cold stress produced by sudden change or continuous exposure to low temperature exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia. Stimulation of C-fibers and TRPM8 channels have been reported as mechanisms of cold stress related LUTS. Dai-ken-chu-tou, a chinese herbal medicine has been traditionally used for improvement of bowel conditions. In basic research, dai-ken-chu-tou has been reported to influence intestinal tracts by decreasing adrenomeduline and decreasing the stimulation of the pathway of TRPV1 and TRPA1, which are also important pathways with bladder function. We examined whether dai-ken-chu-tou improves cold stress related LUTS in rats.

Methods

A total of 22 Sprague-Dawley rats at postnatal week 10 were used in the experiments. The animals sere randomly divided into 2 gtoups, which were kept with Dai-ken-chu-tou-including food (2700mg/kg) or normal food for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, cystometography (CMG) was performed under awake condition. CMG was first performed in room temperature (RT) for 20 minuets. Rats were then put into low temperature (LT) for 40 minutes. After LT, rats were put into RT for 20 minutes. After CMG, the whole bladder was removed and real time PCR was performed.

Results

Results of the CMG are shown in Fig 1. Basal pressure and micturition pressure did not show a difference between control rats and Dai-ken-chu-tou rats, but change rate with cold stress in voiding interval and micturition volume did show a significant difference. Results of real time PCR are shown in Fig 2. Significant decrease of P2X3, TRPV1, and TRPM8 in the bladder was seen in Dai-ken-chu-tou rats.

Conclusions

Dai-ken-chu-tou improved cold stress related frequency in rats. Down regulation of P2X3, TRPV1 and TRPM8 may have a relation with the improvement in cold stress related frequency in rats.

Funding

none