Adenosine Receptor Mechanisms Underlying Bladder Dysfunction in Male Rats With Bladder Outlet Obstruction2025 · <h4>Aims</h4>We examined the role of subtypes of adenosine receptors in bladder dysfunction and changes in the adenosine receptor expression in the bladder using male rats with partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).<h4>Methods</h4>In Sprague-Dawley rats (male 8-weeks old), BOO was produced by a partial ligation of the urethra along a metal rod of a 1.2 mm outer diameter. Control rats underwent sham operation. Awake cystometrograms (CMG) were first recorded during saline instillation, and then an adenosine A1 receptor agonist (CCPA, 4.1 μM), an adenosine A2A antagonist (ZM241385, 15 μM), or inosine (1 mM) were applied intravesically in sham and BOO rats. In addition, mRNA levels of adenosine receptor subtypes in the bladder wall were measured using RT-PCR. Histological studies of bladder specimen were also performed.<h4>Results</h4>Weights of BOO bladders were significantly (p < 0.0001) larger compared with sham bladders. In CMG, a number of non-voiding contractions (NVCs), bladder contraction amplitudes during voiding, bladder capacity, and post-void residual (PVR) were significantly (p < 0.001) increased compared with sham rats. Voiding efficiency (VE) was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in BOO versus sham rats. Intravesical application of CCPA or inosine did not induce statistically significant effects on CMG parameters in BOO rats. Yet, ZM241385 induced a significant (p = 0.040) reduction in NVCs of BOO rats. mRNA levels of adenosine A2A and A3 receptors were significantly (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0145, respectively) upregulated in the BOO bladder mucosa, whereas adenosine A2B receptors showed a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in the BOO bladder mucosa compared with sham bladders. Histologically, we found the thickened detrusor muscle layer in BOO versus sham rats.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The male rat model of BOO seems to be suitable for exploring urethral obstruction-related bladder dysfunction at the compensated phase. In addition, the adenosine A2A receptor subtype would be a potential target for the treatment of male BOO patients with bladder overactivity.<h4>Clinical trial registration</h4>A clinical trial registration is not required as this study reported the basic research data using animal models.
Feasibility of high-frequency ultrasound for seminiferous tubule assessment and correlation of B-mode imaging with pathological findings in the testis in azoospermia2024 · PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) for assessing seminiferous tubules and to understand high-resolution B-mode images of the testes in cases of azoospermia. METHODS: We verified how the histopathological images of testicular biopsy specimens can be observed using HFUS images and measurement analysis of seminiferous tubules was performed to 28 testes of 14 cases with azoospermia who underwent preoperative ultrasound and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). The population consisted of obstructive azoospermia (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), including Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS), and the other pathologies. Statistical verification of differences in seminiferous tubule diameters among preoperative ultrasound examination, ultrasound examination of pathological specimens, and histopathological specimens. We also examined the imagingpathology correlation via a case series presentation, aiming to identify imaging markers of testicular pathology and determine the possibility of predicting each condition. RESULTS: A comparison between HFUS images and histopathology from the same biopsy specimens suggested that ultrasonography could be seen as stereoscopic images due to its significantly greater slice thickness. The diameters of tubules were generally larger in pathological tissues as compared to ultrasonographic findings in OA and SCOS, but not in the other conditions. Comparisons provided insights into the predictability of SCOS and revealed imaging findings such as gaps between tubules and decreased diameter reflective of testicular damage. CONCLUSION: Seminiferous tubules can be observed however the diameter of seminiferous tubules varies in imaging and histopathology depending on the pathology. Imaging findings that reflect testicular damage and the predictability of SCOS were revealed in this study, but further verification is required.