E-Posters-Optogenetic Neuromodulation in the Diabetic Cystopathy Mouse Model

Optogenetic Neuromodulation in the Diabetic Cystopathy Mouse Model - Shannon L. Wallace, MD

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Sacral neuromodulation is a treatment option for overactive bladder and urinary retention, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The researchers aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic, repetitive neuromodulation on the diabetic cystopathy murine model using optogenetic neurostimulation. Optogenetics allows specific neurons to be activated or inhibited by light. In this study, diabetic mice were injected with a viral vector containing the channelrhodopsin gene into their left sciatic nerves. They were then exposed to blue light for 30 minutes per day for 35 days. Voiding behavior was monitored, and the bladders were analyzed for histological changes. Initial analysis of the voiding studies showed an increase in the number of voids over time in the mice that received the viral vector and were exposed to light stimulation.<br /><br />The researchers also aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which neuromodulation alters diabetic bladder function. They used histological staining, PCR, and Western blot analysis to identify changes in the bladder caused by neuromodulation. Understanding these changes could help improve voiding efficiency in patients with an underactive bladder phenotype associated with late-stage diabetes.<br /><br />The results showed no variability in voided volume over time between the diabetic mice that received the viral vector and the non-diabetic control mice. However, there was a significant increase in the number of voids over time in the diabetic mice that received the viral vector compared to the control mice.<br /><br />In conclusion, this study demonstrated that chronic, repetitive optogenetic neuromodulation can increase the number of voids in diabetic mice. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying this effect and to determine its potential as a treatment option for patients with underactive bladder associated with diabetes.

Keywords

sacral neuromodulation

overactive bladder

urinary retention

diabetic cystopathy

optogenetic neurostimulation

channelrhodopsin gene

voiding behavior

histological changes

bladder function

underactive bladder