Basic and Translational Science Effects of Prolonged Vaginal Distension and -Aminopropionitrile on Urinary Continence and Urethral Structure

Conscious cystometry identified 0, 3, and 5 rats in the control, VD, and VD plus BAPN groups with an abnormal voiding pattern, respectively. The urethral collagen content was significantly lower in the VD and VD plus BAPN rats compared with the control rats. The urethral elastic fibers were disorganized and shorter in the VD and VD plus BAPN rats and were fragmented and lacking the intermuscle connections in the VD plus BAPN rats. The urethral striated muscle fibers were shorter and more widely spaced in the VD and VD plus BAPN rats than in the control rats. Additionally, those in the VD plus BAPN group exhibited an abnormal wavy shape suggestive of a lack of architectural support. CONCLUSION Prolonged vaginal distension caused urodynamic changes and histologic abnormalities in the urethra, including reduced collagen content, fragmented elastic fibers, and sparsely arranged and shortened striated muscle fibers. BAPN appears to interfere with the restoration of collagen and elastic fibers. UROLOGY 78: 968.e13‐968.e19, 2011. © 2011 Elsevier Inc.