Abstract
Aims
We investigated the effects of 24β and 48βhr storage at 4Β°C in Krebs solution on the function and morphology of isolated, rat urinary bladders.
Methods
Strips of bladder were obtained from eight male SpragueβDawley rats. Six strips were harvested from each bladder and randomized to storage for 24 or 48 hr at 4Β°C in Krebs solution or examination immediately after harvest. Contractile responses of the strips to potassium chloride (KCl), electric field stimulation (EFS), adenosine 5β²βtriphosphate (ATP) and carbamylcholine (CCh) were assessed. Histological examination of the bladder strips was performed. The pO~2~, pCO~2~, and pH of the solution in each storage container were measured at each storage time point.
Results
Cold storage induced a significant decrease in the amplitude of contraction in response to KCl and EFS after 24 or 48 hr of storage compared with control. The response of the bladder strips to ATP and CCh was significantly reduced after 48βhr storage compared with control, but not 24βhr storage. The pO~2~ and pCO~2~ decreased after cold storage. The pH increased after 24 hr of storage and remained stable between 24 and 48 hr of storage. Histological evaluation of the strips showed tissue swelling after 24 and 48 hr of storage.
Conclusions
These results suggest that the morphology and function of bladder strips stored for 24 to 48 hr at 4Β°C in Krebs solution undergo significant changes. Further studies are needed to assess the allowable time for storage of bladder tissue. Neurourol. Urodynam. Β© 2006 WileyβLiss, Inc.