Overactive Bladder Models

The overactive bladder (OAB) can be defined in humans as a urodynamic observation (detrusor overactivity), or symptomatically (urgency, frequency, incontinence, nocturia) as the OAB syndrome. For obvious reasons, there are no animal models of the OAB syndrome. In humans, urinary incontinence can be due to involuntary bladder contractions demonstrable by cystometry during the filling phase. In animals, cystometric bladder hyperactivity (bladder contractions voluntary and/or involuntary) can be found in many animal models. It can occur spontaneously or be provoked, and the pathophysiology may include both peripheral and central mechanisms. To study bladder hyperactivity in animals, cystometry plays an important role. The present protocol describes the basic cystometry technique and its application in a few animal models specifically used for the study of bladder hyperactivity.