Autonomic dysfunction in a rat model of IC/PBS is mediated by c-fiber

Hypothesis / aims of study Previous studies have demonstrated elevated indices of sympathetic activity and exaggerated autonomic responses during hydrodistention in patients with interstitial cystitis/ painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). Animal experiments have shown a vesicovascular reflex (VVR) in urethane anesthesized spinal cord intact normal rats. We investigated whether this phenomenon is reproducible in a cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced interstitial cystitis rat model and what mediates the response.