Methods for Assessing Lower Urinary Tract Function in Animal Models

Abstract

Lower urinary tract dysfunction affects a multitude of patients. Current therapeutic approaches are limited and very little is known about the mechanisms in failure of bladder control. Thus, more basic research is clearly needed to elucidate the underlying pathological mechanisms and to develop novel treatment strategies in urology. Noninvasive tests such as the void-spot assay and the metabolic cage and more invasive urodynamics investigations are currently used to assess lower urinary tract function in animals, in particular rodents. The noninvasive tests give some insights into the functionality of the system, whereas urodynamics testing yields an objective evaluation that allows distinction of different pathologies and investigations of the underlying neuronal malfunctions. PATIENT SUMMARY: We briefly summarize methods currently used to assess impairments of bladder function in animal models. Both noninvasive and invasive methods are available and can be used to understand and improve human health. An accurate and detailed diagnosis is, however, possible only with urodynamics assessments.

Keywords: Animal models; Metabolic cage; Neuro-urology; Urodynamics; Void-spot assay.