Tomohiro Magari

Time-dependent effects of castration on the bladder function and histological changes in the bladder and blood vessels

We examined the effect of androgens on bladder blood flow (BBF), bladder function and histological changes in castrated male rats. Male Wistar rats were classified into unoperated group (control group), groups castrated at the age of 8 weeks (group 8wPC) and groups castrated at the age of 4 weeks (group 4wPC). Each rat was used at the age of 20 weeks. BBF was measured using fluorescent microspheres. Bladder cystometry was performed without anesthesia or restraint; the bladder was first irrigated with saline and then with 0.25% acetic acid (AA) solution. Maximum voiding pressure and voiding interval were measured. The bladder and iliac artery were histologically examined for differences in smooth muscle and quantity of collagen fiber to analyze the effect of castration on the smooth muscle content. No differences were noted in BBF following castration. The voiding intervals for all groups were shortened (P < 0.001) following AA irrigation. No significant difference was noted in the maximum voiding pressure. Histological changes were observed in bladder and iliac artery. Smooth muscle/collagen ratio at the bladder was lower in groups 8wPC and 4wPC compared to the control group (P< 0.01), while that at the iliac artery was decreased in group 4wPC compared to the control group (P< 0.001). In conclusion, our findings indicate that castration does not alter BBF, but leads to histological changes in the bladder as well as its associated blood vessels.

Influence of castration on bladder blood flow and function during the rapid phase of androgen deprivation

Abstract Objective. This study examined the effects of androgen deprivation on bladder blood flow (BBF) and bladder function during the acute phase in castrated rats. Material and methods. Nine-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into six groups as follows: 24 h post-sham-operation (24hPS), no operation (control), 24 h post-castration (24hPC), 48 h post-castration (48hPC), 7 days post-castration (7dPC) and 12 weeks post-castration (12wPC). BBF was measured in the 24hPS, control, 24hPC, 48hPC, 7dPC and 12wPC groups, and prostate blood flow was measured in the control, 24hPC, 48hPC and 7dPC groups using laser Doppler methods. In select groups, BBF was measured using the fluorescent microsphere method. Bladder function was tested in the 24hPS, control, 24hPC and 12wPC groups. The bladder was irrigated with saline and 0.25% acetic acid. Maximum voiding pressure and voiding intervals were measured. Results. BBF significantly increased within 24 h after castration (p < 0.001); these changes did not persist beyond 24 h. However, prostate blood flow decreased significantly within 24 h after castration (p < 0.001). Shortening of the voiding interval upon acetic acid stimulation was significantly suppressed in group 24hPC compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The maximum voiding pressure did not significantly change in the 24hPS, control, 24hPC and 12wPC groups. Conclusions. During the acute phase of androgen deprivation following castration, BBF significantly increased and the bladder became receptive to stimulation. This temporary increase may be because of a decrease in the prostate blood flow, indicating that androgens do not directly affect the BBF.

Examination of Cadaveric Renal Transplantation at Gunma University Hospital during 20-year Period

1987年から慢性腎不全の臨床治療として腎移植治療を継続的に施行している. 2006年までの20年間で19例の献腎移植を施行した. 移植腎生着率は, 1年95％, 5年76％, 10年44％であり, 患者生存率は1年100％, 5年87％, 10年73％であった. 移植腎機能喪失原因は, 死亡が4例と最も多く次いで慢性移植腎症が3例であった. 現在当科外来通院中の11名の血清クレアチニンは1mg/dl前後であり移植腎機能は非常に良好である. また, 合併症は腎移植後13年経過する1症例に循環器系の合併症を認め薬物療法中であるが, その他の症例には合併症をほとんど認めず, 外来通院の11名は非常に高いQOLを保持している.