Changes in the Function and Expression of T-Type and N-Type Calcium Channels in the Rat Bladder after Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Purpose: We evaluated possible changes in the function and expression of T-type and N-type Ca2+ channels in the bladder of rats with bladder outlet obstruction. Materials and Methods: Female Sprague Dawley (R) rats were divided into a group with bladder outlet obstruction created by partial urethral ligation and a sham operated group. Six weeks postoperatively we determined the mRNA expression of T-type and N-type Ca2+ channels in the bladder, dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord. We also cystometrically investigated expression by intravenous administration of the T-Ca blocker RQ-00311610 or the N-type Ca2+ channel blocker omega-conotoxin GVIA. We then performed in vitro functional studies of detrusor strips using these blockers. Results: mRNA expression of T-type Ca2+ channels in the bladder detrusor and mucosa layers, and the spinal cord dorsal horn, and N-type Ca2+ channels in the whole bladder and detrusor layer, and the spinal cord dorsal horn was greater in the obstructed group than the sham operated group. In obstructed rats bladder capacity and voided volume increased after RQ-00311610 administration but the number of nonvoiding contractions decreased after omega-conotoxin GVIA administration. Detrusor strips from obstructed rats showed weaker contractile responses to electrical field stimulation, particularly in regard to the purinergic component. omega-Conotoxin GVIA suppressed electrical field stimulation induced contractions only in the detrusor of obstructed rats, especially the cholinergic component. Conclusions: Blocking T-type Ca2+ channels increased bladder capacity while N-type Ca2+ channel blockade inhibited nonvoiding contractions in rats with bladder outlet obstruction. Decreased bladder efferent neurotransmission occurred after bladder outlet obstruction, predominantly in its purinergic component and detrusor contractions via cholinergic neurotransmission were activated in a compensatory manner, probably via N-type Ca2+ channel up-regulation.