Neuromolecular changes in rat brainstem following transurethral zymosan-induced cystitis. Rattus norvegicus strain:SD

The main objective was to study the molecular alteration following transurethral zymosan exposures in rats during different stages of development. We conducted a thorough investigation to identify the long-term molecular changes, if any, in the RVM neurons due to early-life bladder exposures to zymosan and whether reexposure in adulthood exacerbates the underlying molecular responses due to the priming effect of prior exposures during development. These long-term molecular alterations may play a critical role in the development of chronic bladder pain conditions as seen in patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder pain syndrome. RVM tissues from two treatment protocols were used: (1) neonatal zymosan exposures on P12 through P16 with acute adult rechallenge on P29 (RC protocol, n=8, saline=3, zymosan=5) and (2) only neonatal zymosan exposures on P12 through P16 without adult rechallenge (NRC protocol, n=8, saline=3, zymosan=5). Tissues were collected on P30.