1.Noxious electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor and vagina induces transient voiding dysfunction in a rabbit survival model of pelvic floor dystonia.
Amy D DOBBERFUHL ; Sara SPETTEL ; Catherine SCHULER ; Robert M LEVIN ; Andrew H DUBIN ; Elise J B DE
Korean Journal of Urology 2015;56(12):837-844
PURPOSE: 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. MATERIALS AND 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.
Animals
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Disease Models, Animal
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Dystonia/*etiology
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Electric Stimulation/adverse effects/methods
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Electromyography/methods
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Female
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Muscle Contraction/physiology
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Pelvic Floor/*physiopathology
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Pelvic Floor Disorders/*complications/physiopathology
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Rabbits
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Urinary Bladder/physiopathology
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Urinary Retention/*etiology
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Urination/physiology
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Urine
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Vagina/*physiopathology