TYPE-III COLLAGEN MESSENGER-RNA IS MODULATED IN NONCOMPLIANT HUMAN BLADDER TISSUE

Purpose: Previous studies have demonstrated that the non-compliant bla dder is characterized histologically by an increased deposition of ext racellular matrix protein, especially type III collagen, in the muscle wall. We sought to determine if an increased tissue level of type III collagen messenger RNA (mRNA) parallels the observed increase in prot ein expression. Materials and Methods: Using a reverse transcription-p olymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) quantitative technique we measured a nd compared the bladder tissue concentration of type III collagen mRNA between an experimental group of patients (n = 7) with urodynamically proven non-compliant bladders (< 12 cc/cm. H2O) and a control group ( n = 8) with normal bladder compliance (> 20 cc/cm. H2O).Results: The m ean (+/- S.E.M.) of type III collagen mRNA level in the non-compliant group was 11.72 +/- 2.56 attomole/milligram (amol/mg.) which was almos t threefold higher than the level 4.26 +/- 0.74 amol/mg measured in th e control group. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0. 027). Conclusions: Type III collagen mRNA levels are increased in the human non-compliant bladder. Therefore the accumulation of type III co llagen protein is, in part, transcriptionally regulated.