The histopathological and pharmacodynamic effects of intradetrusor decorin injected in a rabbit partial bladder outlet obstruction model.

Purpose: To evaluate whether or not the bladder function can be protected by supporting the detrusor with decorin levels during the fibrotic process.

Methods: Forty-two male rabbits were divided into three main groups, partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) group, pBOO + intradetrusor decorin-injected (IDI) group and control group. Both pBOO and pBOO + IDI groups were divided into three subgroups according to the killing schedule. Histopathological, immunohistochemical and pharmacodynamics studies were performed for the evaluation of fibrotic process and tissue characteristics.

Results: Histopathological evaluation revealed statistically significant high fibrosis levels for both pBOO and pBOO + IDI groups when compared with control. Strikingly the antifibrotic effect of decorin was significant on 2nd, 4th and 8th week and increased as time passed. Immunohistochemical analysis was revealed high expressions of anti-TGF-β1 and decorin levels in all pBOO + IDI groups. Pharmacodynamical results were also revealed better contraction responses in favor of 2nd, 4th and 8th week groups of pBOO + IDI groups, when compared with pBOO groups. In addition, the contraction responses against the depolarizer agent KCl were increased in the three decorin-administrated groups.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the antifibrotic effects of decorin on bladder fibrosis. Strikingly, this antifibrotic effect is shown in histopathological, immunohistochemical and pharmacodynamics studies. Although further studies are warranted to make more decisive inferences regarding its clinical use, our study has the proper pride to be the first step of this time course.