Bladder acellular matrix graft: in vivo functional properties of the regenerated rat bladder

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the rat urinary bladder augmented by an acellular matrix graft can restore the bladder's low-pressu re reservoir function and preserve normal micturition. After partial cystec tomy (>50%) and grafting with the bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG), st orage and voiding functions were monitored in 20 rats by means of a special ly designed "micturition cage," leak-point cystography, and cystometry. Aft er 4 months, sections (n = 6) were examined histologically to evaluate rege neration of bladder wall components within the BAMG. Bladder capacity and c ompliance increased progressively and were significantly higher in the graf ted animals than in controls (partial cystectomy only), and volumes per voi d were significantly higher than in either control or normal animals. At 4 months, the regenerated urothelium, smooth muscle, blood vessels and nerves within the BAMG were qualitatively identical to normal bladder wall. Augme ntation cystoplasty with the homologous BAMG leads to morphologic and funct ional rat bladder regeneration, thus enhancing low-pressure reservoir funct ion and preserving normal micturition.