MP62-03 VOLUNTARY EXERCISE IMPROVES VOIDING FUNCTION AND BLADDER HYPERALGESIA IN AN ANIMAL MODEL OF STRESS-INDUCED VISCERAL HYPERSENSITIVITY

Abstract

Introduction: The underlying mechanism of IC/BPS is not well understood and evaluation of current therapeutic interventions have not identified any generally effective treatments. Physical activity has shown beneficial effects on individuals suffering from chronic pain. Anxiety-prone rats exposed to WAS develop urinary frequency and bladder hyperalgesia with high face and construct validity for the study of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of chronic voluntary exercise on urinary frequency, voiding function and hyperalgesia in animals exposed to WAS. Methods: Twenty-six female Wistar-Kyoto rats were exposed to WAS and were randomized to either weekly voluntary exercise for 3 weeks or sedentary groups. Voiding parameters, tactile allodynia and referred bladder hyperalgesia were assessed at baseline, post-WAS, and weekly for 3 weeks. Prior to euthanasia, the animals underwent cystometrogram (CMG), external urinary sphincter electromyography, and assessment of visceromotor response to isotonic bladder distension (IBD). Results: WAS caused adverse changes in voiding parameters and von Frey sensitivity testing in animals exposed to WAS. Compared to sedentary animals, animals in the voluntary exercise group had improved voiding parameters on metabolic cage and CMG and improved bladder hypersensitivity as determined by VMR response to isotonic bladder distention. Conclusion: Voluntary exercise in an animal model of chronic stress leads to improvement in voiding function and bladder visceral hyperalgesia.