An in vitro model for videoimaging of human bladder smooth muscle cell contractions

Knowledge regarding human bladder smooth muscle cell (SMC) physiology is very limited. Only a few specific medical therapies for bladder disorders have therefore been established. The objective of this study was to develop a model for videomicroscopy of bladder SMC contractions. Cells were isolated from human cystoprostatectomy specimens and cultured in a modified EMEM medium. These cells were identified as SMCs by means of immunohistochemistry. For videomicroscopy, the culture flasks were coated with a viscous agent to allow cell contraction. Contractions were visualized by means of a cell culture microscope with a time-lapse videosystem. For cholinergic stimulation of the cells, acetylcholine, in concentrations ranging from 100 μM to 10 mM, was applied. The percentage of contracting cells within the observation field was evaluated for quantitative analysis. In control experiments without contractile stimulant 6% of the cells were observed to contract. Stimulation with acetylcholine induced a significant dose-dependent increase to 47% in contracting cells. These results demonstrated that videomicroscopy is an appropriate tool to investigate the contraction mechanisms of bladder SMCs. This model offers the possibility of studying drug effects on the human detrusor in vitro. Received: 16 September 1999 / Accepted: 1 May 2000     

Tierexperimentelle Beobachtungen über das intracerebrale Wachstum menschlicher Tumoren

Zusammenfassung Das Wachstumsverhalten zweier in das Gehirn von Goldhamstern implantierter menschlicher Tumoren (H. Ad. Nr. 1 und H. S. Nr. 1) wurde untersucht. Bei allen Tieren konnte ein Tumorwachstum histologisch nachgewiesen werden. Cortisonvorbehandlung der Wirtstiere begünstigte bei H. Ad. Nr. 1 die Tumorausbreitung und führte frühzeitiger zum Tode. Das intracerebrale Tumorwachstum führte jedoch auch unabhängig von der Wirtsvorbehandlung bei allen Tieren zum Tode innerhalb von 4 Wochen nach der Transplantation. Beide Geschwulst-typen wuchsen am besten in den liquorhaltigen Räumen, weniger in der Hirnsubstanz. Die Bevorzugung der Meningen durch beide Tumortypen entspricht der allgemeinen Erfahrung über die cerebrale Metastasierung entdifferenzierte Sarkome und Adenocarcinome.

---

Summary The growth behavior of two human tumors (H. Ad. No. 1 and H. S. No. 1) transplanted to the hamster brain has been studied. Tumor growth could be histologically verified in all animals inoculated. Cortisone-conditioning of the host increased tumor expansion and resulted in an earlier and more rapid death rate in the H. Ad. No. 1 group. Regardless of tumor or host-conditioning employed, all animals succumbed to intracerebral tumor growth by the end of the fourth week post transplantation. Both tumor types grew better in the ventricles and subarachnoid space than in the brain tissue itself. The predilection of these two tumor types for the meninges confirms our clinical knowledge on the pattern of cerebral metastasis of dedifferentiated sarcomas and adenocarcinomas.

---

---

Mit Unterstützung der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Die Gesamtstoffwechselwirkung des Inosit

Journal of Molecular Medicine - Während es nach intravenöser Inositapplikation als Ausdruck einer mehr vagotonen Assimilationsphase zu einer Grundumsatzsenkung (Blutzuckererniedrigung)...     

Sicherung des Nachweises schwacher Präcipitate im Uhlenhuth-Verfahren

Medical Microbiology and Immunology -