Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP29-17
Sources of Funding: None

Introduction

Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the urinary bladder. _x000D_ _x000D_ Although its pathogenesis is largely unknown, there is evidence that it is related to mast cell (MC) proliferation and activation in a subset of patients. _x000D_ _x000D_ The objective of this study was to compare the difference in MC subtype, density, and distribution, between normal and PBS/IC bladder tissue._x000D_ _x000D_

Methods

Full-thickness bladder tissue was collected from patients with PBS/IC (n=14), and from patients with normal histological findings (n=4). _x000D_ Samples were paraffin-embedded, and sectioned for immunohistochemistry. _x000D_ _x000D_ Mast cell subtypes were identified using a mast cell tryptase antibody (AA1), and anti-mast cell chymase antibody (CC1). _x000D_ _x000D_ Slides were photographed at a standard magnification, and positively stained mast cells were quantified using ImageJ software._x000D_

Results

The distribution of AA1 positive mast cells within the layers of the bladder wall of PBS/IC and control individuals is shown in figure 1._x000D_ _x000D_ The distribution of mast cell subtypes within the layers of the bladder wall of PBS/IC individuals is shown in figure 2._x000D_ _x000D_ These results showed a significant difference in the density of MCs between each layer of the bladder wall in PBS/IC tissue (p<0.05)._x000D_ _x000D_ It was also shown that PBS/IC tissue contains a higher number of MCs compared to controls, with the largest difference in density between the two groups found in the lamina propria layer. _x000D_ _x000D_ There is also a significant difference in the density of MC subtype (p<0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that MC numbers are significantly increased in PBS/IC bladder tissue, with a significant difference in subtype and density within the layers of the bladder. _x000D_ _x000D_ This may provide new insight into the role of MCs in PBS/IC, further our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, and develop treatment strategies._x000D_

Funding

None