FEMALE URINARY STRESS-INCONTINENCE IN TERMS OF CONNECTIVE-TISSUE BIOCHEMISTRY

The role of connective tissue in the aetiology of female stress incont inence has been investigated. Collagen content and extractability as w ell as estrogen receptor concentration in vesico-vaginal fascia were m easured after small tissue biopsies had been obtained during vaginal r epair surgery in cases of urinary incontinence. The mean concentration of estrogen receptor in vesico-vaginal fascia among incontinent women was 49.4 +/- 14.8 fmol/mg of protein as compared to 29.6 +/- 13.1 in continent control group (P < 0.03; t-test). The mean hydroxyproline co ncentration in vesico-vaginal fascia of incontinent women was 13.8 +/- 2.6 mug/mg wet weight, whereas in the control group it was significan tly higher 20.6 +/- 2.4 (P < 0.001). The role of connective tissue com ponents in the aetiology of female stress incontinence is discussed.