Effect of partial bladder outlet obstruction and reversal on rabbit bladder physiology and biochemistry: duration of recovery period and severity of function

ObjectivesTo use a rabbit model of partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) to investigate the point at which obstructive bladder dysfunction becomes irreversible. MethodsPartial BOO was induced in New Zealand White rabbits. It was then reversed and the rabbits were allowed to recover for 4, 8 or 12 weeks. Both at the time of reversal and at the end of the study, the rabbits were grouped according to bladder decompensation level (mild, intermediate or severe) based on bladder mass (weight). ResultsA strong correlation was observed between the production and distribution of collagen and the reduction of smooth muscle contractile function. We found that only in the bladders that were severely decompensated at the time of reversal did collagen levels not decrease. ConclusionThe data show that recovery of function after reversal of partial BOO is directly related primarily to collagen levels at the time of reversal.