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01-06-2019 | Stress Incontinence | Original Article

Signs of damage in pelvic floor muscles at the end of pregnancy in rabbits

Authors: Octavio Sánchez-García, Laura G. Hernández-Aragón, Kenia López-García, Margarita Juárez, Margarita Martínez-Gómez, Francisco Castelán

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 6/2019

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Temporary effects to pelvic floor muscles are linked to impairments in micturition, particularly stress urinary incontinence (SUI), during pregnancy. We hypothesize that bulbospongiosus (Bsm) and pubococcygeus (Pcm) are differently damaged in primigravid and primiparous rabbits.

Methods

Twenty-four rabbits allocated evenly (n = 6) into nulliparous, pregnant, and primiparous groups on postpartum days 3 (P3) and 20 (P20) were used to evaluate the myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA), β-glucuronidase activity, and anti-3-nitrotyrosine (anti-3-NTyr) immunoreactivity in Bsm and Pcm muscles. Appropriate statistical tests were done to determine significant differences among groups (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

The average CSA of Bsm was not significantly different, albeit a high percentage of myofibers was enlarged in late-pregnant and primiparous rabbits on P3; β-glucuronidase activity and indirect parameter of muscle damage was also higher. These variables did not change in the Pcm muscle during the different reproductive stages. In contrast, the 3-NTyr immunoreactivity, an indicator of oxidative damage, was increased on P3 for Pcm myofibers and P20 for myofibers of both muscles.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate reliable signs of damage to Bsm and Pcm muscles in young female rabbits passing different reproductive stages. Damage to the Bsm muscles as detected at the end of pregnancy persisted after delivery. This was not the case for Pcm muscles, in which damage seems to appear after delivery.

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Title: Signs of damage in pelvic floor muscles at the end of pregnancy in rabbits
Authors: Octavio Sánchez-García
Laura G. Hernández-Aragón
Kenia López-García
Margarita Juárez
Margarita Martínez-Gómez
Francisco Castelán
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Stress Incontinence
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-03872-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Signs of damage in pelvic floor muscles at the end of pregnancy in rabbits

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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