Optimizing Mouse Urodynamic Techniques for Improved Accuracy

Summary

This protocol provides a guide for waterproofing the skin with cyanoacrylate to prevent urine absorption by fur and skin. It includes instructions for applying the glue to the skin, implanting a bladder catheter, and electrodes for cystometry and external urethral sphincter electromyography recordings in awake mice.

Abstract

Accurate measurement of urinary parameters in awake mice is crucial for understanding lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction, particularly in conditions like neurogenic bladder post-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). However, conducting cystometry recordings in mice presents notable challenges. When mice are in a prone and restricted position during recording sessions, urine tends to be absorbed by the fur and skin, leading to an underestimation of voided volume (VV). The goal of this study was to enhance the accuracy of cystometry and external urethral sphincter electromyography (EUS-EMG) recordings in awake mice. We developed a unique method utilizing cyanoacrylate adhesive to create a waterproof skin barrier around the urethral meatus and abdomen, preventing urine absorption and ensuring precise measurements. Results show that after applying the cyanoacrylate, the sum of VV and RV remained consistent with the infused saline volume, and there were no wet areas observed post-experiment, indicating successful prevention of urine absorption. Additionally, the method simultaneously stabilized the electrodes connected with the external urethral sphincter (EUS), ensured stable electromyography (EMG) signals, and minimized artifacts caused by the movement of the awakened mouse and manipulation of the experimenter. Methodological details, results, and implications are discussed, highlighting the importance of improving urodynamic techniques in preclinical research.

Introduction

The storage and release of urine are dependent on the coordinated activity of the urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter (EUS). In some pathologies such as neurogenic bladder, both the bladder detrusor muscles and the sphincter can become dysfunctional, leading to significant bladder problems, especially after traumatic spinal cord injury(SCI)¹.

Small rodents are commonly used as an experimental model to study the preclinical function of the lower urinary tract (LUT)². Filling Cystometry (FC) and EUS electromyography (EUS-EMG) recording techniques can provide pre....

Protocol

The animal study protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Indiana University School of Medicine. Approval Code: 21098MD/R/MSS/HZ Approval Date: 29 September 2021.

1. Preparation of catheter

1. Cut a 30 cm polyethylene PE-30 tube (.017 inch x .030 inch). Use a lighter to flare one end of the tube, ensuring it does not touch the flame and withdrawing the lighter once the tube has formed an appropriately round, bell-shaped tip. Any resi.......

Discussion

This urodynamic technique describes an improved procedure for measuring urine volume and EUS- EMG signal in awake and restrained mice. The presence of fur around the urethral meatus and abdominal area can interfere with the accuracy of the VV measurement by absorbing urine. Although the fur surrounding the urethral meatus and abdomen had been carefully shaved before surgery, the remaining small furs within these areas and the skin still absorbed urine, usually leaving a wet area in the abdomen after recording. This issue.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Accelerator	BOB SMITH INDUSTRIES	BSI-152
Cyanoacrylate	TED PELLA, Inc	14478
Disposable base mold	TED PELLA, Inc	27147-4
Infusion pump	Harvard Apparatus PHD ULTRA	70-3006
Isoflurane	Henry Schein Inc	1182097
PIN	World Precision Instruments	5482
Polyethylene Tubing 30	Braintree Scientific Inc	PE30
Sterile Weighing Boat	HEATHROW SCIENTIFIC	797CK2
Windaq/Lite	DATAQ INSTRUMENTS	249022