Distribution of collagen XII and XIV in the bladder wall of the male rat with outlet obstruction

Purpose: Our previous studies indicate that neonatal estrogenization with d iethylstilbestrol (neoDES) of male mice and rats causes partial outlet obst ruction. In the present study, type XIII and XIV collagens were localized i n the bladder to study their role in the development of obstruction. Materials and Methods: The bladder sections immunostained with smooth muscl e specific alpha-actin antibody were double labeled either with collagen ty pe XII or type XIV antibodies. The specimens mere then analyzed with conven tional and confocal fluorescence microscope. Results: Type XII and XIV collagens were not evenly distributed in the blad der. Further, in neonatally estrogenized rats collagen XIV appeared inside smooth muscle fascicles. Conclusions: Non-overlapping distributions of collagen XII and XIV suggest their different roles in the urinary bladder. Penetration of collagen XIV i nside smooth muscle fascicles may have a role in the development of DES-ind uced partial outlet obstruction.