Altered Cytoskeletal Structure of Smooth Muscle Cells in Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

Purpose: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction is one of the most common causes of hydronephrosis in children. A malfunction of smooth muscle cells is believed to be the underlying mechanism causing obstruction. We investigated the expression of some integrins, talin and β-dystroglycan, considered the main compound of smooth muscle cell cytoskeleton, and active caspase 3 at the level of the ureteropelvic junction obstruction.Materials and Methods: Specimens were obtained at pyeloplasty in 12 children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Six control specimens were obtained during organ explantation. Specimens were divided into renal pelvis, ureteropelvic junction and ureter below the obstruction. Western blot analysis of active caspase 3, and immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed for α7A, β1A, α7B and β1D integrins, talin and β-dystroglycan.Results: Talin and β-dystroglycan were slightly impaired in ureteropelvic junction obstruction, while α7B and β1D integrins were sev...