Immunohistochemical analysis of collagen types I, III, IV and α-actin in the urethra of sexually intact and ovariectomized beagles

Urinary incontinence is a widespread problem in both postmenopausal women and ovariectomized dogs. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of ovariectomy on the immunoreactivity and the distribution pattern of collagens I, III, IV and α-actin in the canine urethra. The immunohistochemical results were evaluated in five sexually intact and five ovariectomized beagles. The immunostaining of both collagens I and III delineated urethral connective tissue fibres and co-localized within in the fibres of both groups. The basement membranes of smooth muscle cells and sinusoids showed marked type IV collagen expression, whereas only faint immunoreactivity was present at the urothelial–stromal interface. No differences could be detected in the expression or distribution of the assessed collagen types and actin between ovariectomized and control animals. In conclusion, ovariectomy does not appear to have an effect on urethral collagens I, III, IV and smooth muscle actin in the dog, as ascertained by immunohistochemistry.