Discordance between location of positive cores in biopsy and location of positive surgical margin following radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE: We compared location of positive cores in biopsy and location of positive surgical margin (PSM) following radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis included patients who were diagnosed as prostate cancer by standard 12-core transrectal ultrasonography guided prostate biopsy, and who have PSM after radical prostatectomy. After exclusion of number of biopsy cores <12, and lack of biopsy location data, 46 patients with PSM were identified. Locations of PSM in pathologic specimen were reported as 6 difference sites (apex, base and lateral in both sides). Discordance of biopsy result and PSM was defined when no positive cores in biopsy was identified at the location of PSM. RESULTS: Most common location of PSM were right apex (n=21) and left apex (n=15). Multiple PSM was reported in 21 specimens (45.7%). In 32 specimens (69.6%) with PSM, one or more concordant positive biopsy cores were identified, but 14 specimens (28%) had no concordant biopsy cores at PSM location. When discordant rate was separated by locations of PSM, right apex PSM had highest rate of discordant (38%). The discordant group had significantly lower prostate volume and lower number of positive cores in biopsy than concordant group. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that one fourth of PSM occurred at location where tumor was not detected at biopsy and that apex PSM had highest rate of discordant. Careful dissection to avoid PSM should be performed in every location, including where tumor was not identified in biopsy.

Induction of Contraception by Intraepididymal Sclerotherapy

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sclerosing solution for inducing epididymal occlusion in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: an injection group (n=20) and control group (n=20). Before injecting the sclerosing agent, seminal vesiculectomy and sperm identification using electrostimulation were performed in all of the rats. In the injection group, 0.2 mL of 0.1% sodium tetradecyl sulfate solution was injected into the epididymis. In the sham group, only the identification of the epididymis was performed. At 4 and 12 weeks after the injection, semen was collected by electrostimulation and evaluated to assess the contraceptive effect. Epididymis was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. RESULTS: After 4 and 12 weeks, semen collection was performed in the two groups. Sperms were not observed in the injection group, while there was no change in the sperms in the sham group. H&E staining showed the obstruction of epididymal tubules and an accumulation of inflammatory cells in the injection group. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the sclerosing agent induced sterilization in male rats. This result suggests that the injection method can replace vasectomy as a contraceptive method. However, a further study of large animals and a clinical study are needed. Further, the long-term effectiveness of this method needs to be studied.

Induction of Contraception by Intraepididymal Sclerotherapy

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sclerosing solution for inducing epididymal occlusion in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: an injection group (n=20) and control group (n=20). Before injecting the sclerosing agent, seminal vesiculectomy and sperm identification using electrostimulation were performed in all of the rats. In the injection group, 0.2 mL of 0.1% sodium tetradecyl sulfate solution was injected into the epididymis. In the sham group, only the identification of the epididymis was performed. At 4 and 12 weeks after the injection, semen was collected by electrostimulation and evaluated to assess the contraceptive effect. Epididymis was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. RESULTS: After 4 and 12 weeks, semen collection was performed in the two groups. Sperms were not observed in the injection group, while there was no change in the sperms in the sham group. H&E staining showed the obstruction of epididymal tubules and an accumulation of inflammatory cells in the injection group. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the sclerosing agent induced sterilization in male rats. This result suggests that the injection method can replace vasectomy as a contraceptive method. However, a further study of large animals and a clinical study are needed. Further, the long-term effectiveness of this method needs to be studied.

Effect of Urgency Symptoms on the Risk of Depression in Community-Dwelling Elderly Men

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of a specific type of lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) and the depression in community-dwelling elderly Korean men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 392 men aged 65 years or older, who completed urological and psychiatric evaluations as a participant of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging, were included. From each subject, an interview on the demographic characteristics and medical history, IPSS, and psychiatric questionnaire were taken. Subjects were divided into two groups; depression and euthymic. Subjects with IPSS subscore more than 3 points was considered 'high' subscore. IPSS subscores were compared between the two groups, and the relationship between depression and LUTS severity was assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 75, and 6.4% of the subjects were diagnosed to have major depressive disorders. The depression group showed higher IPSS scores than the euthymic group (16.1+/-9.9 vs. 11.6+/-8.6, p=0.01). IPSS subscores of question 1 (incomplete empty), question 3 (intermittency), question 4 (urgency) and question 6 (straining to void) were higher in the depression group compared with the euthymic group. Chi-square test revealed subjects with high IPSS 1, 3, 4, and 6 score were associated with depression, but multivariate analysis identified only high IPSS question 4 as a significant prognostic factor for depression. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly population with depression is more likely to have more severe LUTS than population without depression. Among the urinary symptoms, urgency was strongly associated with depression. Patients with moderate to severe LUTS and especially urgency may need their mental health status evaluation.

Long-term Clinical Outcomes of the Tension-free Vaginal Tape Procedure for the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Elderly Women over 65

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term clinical outcomes of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in elderly women and to identify the factors influencing failure in these cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with SUI who underwent a TVT procedure were studied. "Cure" was defined as no urine leakage at all in any circumstances and "improvement" was defined as some urine leakage but a score of over 4 points out of 5 in a satisfaction inquiry. Patients were divided into two groups (middle-aged, or =65 years) for comparison of clinical outcomes. In the elderly group, patients were subdivided into two groups (cure and no cure groups) and were compared to identify the factors influencing failure. RESULTS: A total of 136 women (middle-aged group, 106; elderly group, 30) were enrolled in the study. The mean ages of the patients in the 2 groups were 53.5+/-5.9 and 72.0+/-5.0 years and the mean follow-up times were 50.5+/-9.4 and 48.8+/-9.1 months, respectively. The cure and improvement rates in the middle-aged and elderly groups were 80.2% vs. 66.7% and 4.7% vs. 3.3%, respectively (p>0.05). The satisfaction scores in the middle-aged and elderly groups were 3.8+/-1.1 vs. 3.3+/-1.5 points (p>0.05). In the elderly group, the body mass index of the cure and no cure groups were 24.6+/-3.3 kg/m2 and 26.6+/-1.0 kg/m2, and body mass index was the only factor that differed significantly between the two subgroups (p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Our long-term results suggest that TVT is an effective treatment even in elderly women. However, elderly women who are obese should be counseled carefully about the success rate.

Long-term Outcomes of Tension-free Vaginal Tape Procedure for Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence with Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term outcomes of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) and to identify influencing factors for failure in these cases. METHODS: A total of 136 women who underwent TVT procedures with minimum follow-up duration of 3 years were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups (non-ISD and ISD groups) based on preoperative urodynamic studies. Patient outcomes were assessed from retrospective chart review and telephone research. Cure was defined as the subjective resolution of SUI in any circumstances. Improvement was defined as the subjective improvement of SUI without complete resolution. Failure was defined as the subjective lack of improvement of SUI. Patients in ISD group were subdivided into two subgroups (cure and non-cure groups) and were compared to identify influencing factors for TVT procedure failure. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were in non-ISD group, and 47 in ISD group. The mean follow-up durations were 50.3+/-9.2 and 49.7+/-9.7 months, respectively. Subjective cure rate was 75.3% for non-ISD group, and 76.7% for ISD group (P>0.05). Improvement rate was 6.7% for non-ISD group, and 2.1% for ISD group (P>0.05). Satisfaction scores was 3.8+/-1.2 points in the non-ISD group, and 3.5+/-1.2 points in ISD group (P>0.05). In ISD subgroups, VLPP was 41.9+/-12.0 cmH2O for non-cure group, and 50.5+/-8.6 cmH2O for cure group, and was the only factor that showed significant statistical difference between the two subgroups (P=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: With our long-term results, TVT is an effective treatment even in women with ISD. However, ISD patients with low VLPP should be counseled carefully about TVT outcome.

Diagnostic Performance of Gray-scale Sonographic Findings for the Detection of Acute Pyelonephritis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of gray-scale renal sonographic findings for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis (APN) by using computed tomography as a reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed gray-scale renal sonographic findings of 48 patients for the detection of APN. All patients had clinical symptoms such as fever, flank pain, or dysuria and were confirmed as APN by contrast-enhanced CT. The presence of sonographic findings such as renal swelling, alteration of the parenchymal echogenicity, wall thickening of the renal pelvis, loss of the renal sinus fat echogenicity, and loss of the corticomedullary differentiation were evaluated. We also categorized all patients into mild APN or severe APN groups according to the volume of the morbid renal parenchyma on contrast-enhanced CT, and evaluated the aforementioned sonographic findings between the two groups. RESULTS: Overall diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of gray-scale renal ultrasonography (US) for the detection of APN were 32.5%, 72.0%, and 58.5%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of each sonographic finding were measured for each group. Renal swelling sensitivity and specificity were 33.8% and 70.8% for the mild APN group, but 45.8% and 66.7% for the severe APN group. Sensitivity and specificity for alteration of the parenchymal echogenicity were 41.7% and 79.2% for the mild APN group, but 58.3% and 66.7% for the severe APN group. The sensitivity and specificity for wall thickening of the renal pelvis was 37.5% and 95.8% for the mild APN group, but 50.0% and 95.8% for the severe APN group. The sensitivity and specificity of loss of the renal sinus fat echogenicity were 12.5% and 83.3% for the mild APN group, but 12.5% and 91.7% for the severe APN group. The sensitivity and specificity of the loss of the corticomedullary differentiation were 12.5% and 95.8% for the mild APN group, but 20.8% and 75.0% for the severe APN group. There was no significant difference of gray-scale renal US diagnostic accuracy for the detection of APN between the mild and severe APN groups (56.3%: 58.3%; p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although overall gray-scale renal US has poor sensitivity for the detection of APN, wall thickening of the renal pelvis is the most specific sonographic finding in the both mild and severe APN groups.

Sonographic Finding of Extravaginal Testicular Torsion in a Neonate: A Case Report

Extravaginal testicular torsion is known to be the predominant mechanism of the torsion in fetuses and neonates. In this torsion, twisting of the spermatic cord occurs outside the sac of the tunica vaginalis in the scrotum. Herein, we describe the sonographic findings of an extravaginal testicular torsion in a newborn baby who presented with a hard scrotal mass. Gray-scale ultrasound (US) showed hypoechoic linear striations in the testis with a thick hyperechoic peritesticular rim. Surgical exploration revealed an extravaginally twisted testis.

Is a 22 cm Ureteric Stent Appropriate for Korean Patients Smaller than 175 cm in Height?

PURPOSE: Determining the ideal length of a ureteric stent is important to avoid complications associated with stent placement. Clinically, most urologists usually choose the length of a ureteric stent according to the patient's height. On the basis of a Chinese population study, a 22 cm ureteric stent has been recommended for patients smaller than 175 cm. We evaluated the appropriateness of this recommendation in Korean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 patients who were smaller than 175 cm and who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy and ureteric stent insertion were studied. The appropriateness of the stent length was determined on the basis of plain film findings. Patient discomfort was measured by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS) before the removal of the ureteric stent. RESULTS: In 29 patients with a 22 cm ureteric stent, 21 patients (72.4%) had an appropriate ureteric stent length and the mean VAS was 4.1. In 36 patients with a 24 cm ureteric stent, 20 patients (55.6%) had an appropriate ureteric stent length and the mean VAS was 4.0. Among 5 patients with a 26 cm ureteric stent, 1 patient (20%) had an appropriate ureteric stent length and the mean VAS was 5.4. CONCLUSIONS: In Korean patients smaller than 175 cm in height, a 22 cm ureteric stent was an appropriate length.

Ureteroscopic Surgery for a Large Upper Ureteral Stone in an Infant with Bilateral Vesicoureteral Reflux

Pediatric urolithiasis is a relatively rare disease that can have lifelong consequences. The management of pediatric urolithiasis should be individualized with careful consideration of the patients' small body sizes, delicate tissues, needs for general anesthesia with every procedure, and risks of long-term complications. Miniaturization of urological instruments has made the treatment of distal ureteral stones by ureteroscopy in children more common, but there are few reports of the ureteroscopic removal of large upper ureteral stones in infants. We present a case of a 10-month-old female who simultaneously underwent ureteroscopic surgery and endoscopic Deflux(R) injection for treatment of a 22x10 mm unilateral upper ureteral stone and bilateral vesicoureteral reflux. We also review the current treatment options for pediatric urolithiasis.

Sarcomatoid Urothelial Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis with Extremely Aggressive Clinical Behavior

Sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. We experienced a case of sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis with extremely aggressive clinical behavior. An 81-year-old woman underwent a laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy to remove a 4.5x3.1 cm sized localized left renal pelvis mass. The mass was pathologically confirmed as a sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma. Although the operation was successful, the patient died 2 months postoperatively with widely metastatic disease.

Large Prostatic Calculi Causing Urethral Obstruction

Although prostatic calculi are common, complications are fortunately rare. Here, we report a case of prostatic calculi causing urethral obstruction. A 66-year-old man presented with severe voiding difficulty and urge incontinence. He was found to have multiple large prostatic calculi obstructing the prostatic urethra as well as several bladder calculi. Attempts at endoscopic removal were unsuccessful, which resulted in an iatrogenic urethral diverticulum due to fragmented calculi. The residual calculi and diverticulum were removed successfully by open surgery.

The Experience of Cystocele Repair with Monofilament polypropylene Mesh

PURPOSE: The use of synthetic mesh to reinforce the anterior vaginal wall support for cystocele repair has been proposed to prevent recurrence. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of cystocele repair using monofilament polypropylene mesh (Gynemesh PS(TM)). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed in 53 patents who underwent cystocele repair using monofilament polypropylene mesh between January 2006 and January 2009. According to the ICS (International Continence Society) stage classification, 33, 17 and 3 women had stage II, III and IV cystocele. The operation were performed through the vaginal approach. Patients were followed up for 9 to 36 months. We defined the cure of cystocele as stage 0, improvement as stage I, and failed as stage II or greater RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 23.8 months. At follow-up, 41 women were anatomically cured (77.4%), 12 women were improved as stage I (22.6%) and no one was failed. Six cases were previously ICS stage II, 5 cases were stage III and 1 case was stage IV in improved group. No significant intraoperative complications occurred. The postoperative complications were de novo urgency (4 cases, 7.6%), erosion of mesh (2 cases, 3.8%) and anterior vaginal wall hematoma (1 case, 1.9%). CONCLUSION: The use of polypropylene mesh for correction of cystocele by transvaginal route with tension free technique seems to be a safe and effective procedure.

The Efficacy of Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Patients with Large Prostates(>80g) and Analysis of the Postoperative Results Based on the Resection Ratio / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy of bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP) in patients with large prostates(>80g) and determined the postoperative results based on the transitional zone resection ratio. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)>80g(group 1) and 76 patients with BPH between 30g and 80g (group 2) were evaluated. The evaluation before TURP included the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine(PVR), and transrectal ultrasonography. The operative time, weight of resected tissue, change in serum hemoglobin, and complications were noted. After TURP, patients were reassessed for the IPSS, Qmax, and PVR at 6 months. In group 1, subgroup analysis of the postoperative symptom scores was performed based on the ratio of the resection volume(RV) to the transitional zone volume(TZV). RESULTS: In patients with large prostates, the operative times were prolonged, and the weights of resected tissues were higher. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to hemoglobin changes, postoperative hospital stays, or complications. The postoperative clinical parameters were markedly improved in both groups. Severe bleeding necessitated blood transfusion, and the TURP syndrome did not occur in any patients. The symptom score improved more as the RV/TZV increased. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar TURP is an effective and safe surgical treatment method, even in patients with large prostates. Considering that the complications associated with bipolar TURP are very rare, surgeons should aim to perform a complete resection of the enlarged transitional zone to ensure a good postoperative result.

Electroejaculation in the Male Rat / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: We examined the possibility of electroejaculation for the evaluation of fertility in the male rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats that underwent seminal vesiculectomy were used for semen collection by electroejaculation. With a transrectal probe(60Hz, 3V, 0.5A), sign wave electric stimulation was applied to an anesthetized rat. Ejaculated semen was collected by a pipette and the volume and sperm density of the ejaculate were analyzed. Two weeks later, a second electroejaculation was performed under the same conditions with the same rats. RESULTS: At the first attempt, all 10 rats ejaculated following electric stimulation. The mean semen volume was 8.9 microliter (range, 3.0-28.5 microliter) and the mean sperm density was 6,428/ml(range, 320-20,997/ml). At the second attempt, only 7 of 10 rats(70%) ejaculated. The mean semen volume was 5.6 microliter(range, 3.3-8.6 microliter) and the mean sperm density was 2,801/ml (range, 227-12,555/ml). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that electroejaculation has the possibility of being a useful method for evaluation of fertility in the male rat.

Analysis of the Subjective Pain and Need of Analgesics during Shockwave Lithotripsy / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The subjective pain felt by patients during shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) and need of analgesics in patients with urinary stones were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2004 and January 2006, one hundred and ninety seven SWLs were undertaken (151 patients) using a SDS 5000 (spark gap type, Comed, Korea). Ninety-five and 102 cases proceeded without premedication (no analgesics group) and diclofenac sodium, 1mg/kg IM, respectively, 30 minutes before lithotripsy (analgesics group). After the procedure, the subjective pain was estimated using a prospective questionnaire, with a 10-point visual analogue scale. RESULTS: The average subjective pain scores were 3.77 and 3.25 in the non analgesics and analgesics groups, respectively. There was no significantly difference between the two groups. However, the pain scores in the analgesics group were significantly lower in females (3.37 vs. 4.71) and cases of first SWL (3.10 vs. 4.09). In the no analgesics group, the pain score was not affected by the laterality, stone size, location of stone and tolerability, but was affected by sex, age and number of SWL attempts. In the analgesics group, the pain score was only affected by age. Seventy eight percent (74/95) and 63% (64/102) of the patients in the no analgesics and analgesics groups agreed that analgesic should not be recommended to other patients. CONCLUSIONS: The subjective pain during SWL was tolerable; therefore, routine analgesics are not required. However, on the initial SWL in young female patient, the application of analgesics is considerable.

Efficacy of Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: Comparison with Standard Monopolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: We wanted to assess the efficacy of bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) compared with standard monopolar TURP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All 25 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who underwent TURP from July 2004 to June 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Thirteen consecutive patients underwent standard monopolar TURP and 12 underwent bipolar TURP using the Gyrus PlasmaKinetic system. RESULTS: The mean weight of resection was 29.7g for the bipolar TURP and 22.5g for the monopolar TURP. The operative time was shorter (82.5 vs 98.1 minutes, respectively), the estimated blood loss was less (252 vs 268cc, respectively) and the mean post-operative hospital stay was shorter (5.3 vs 5.7 days, respectively) in the bipolar TURP group. However, these differences were not statistically significant. The acute complications were significant hyponatremia in one patient and clot retention in one patient after monopolar TURP, but no complications occurred after bipolar TURP. The maximal flow rate increased from 6.4 to 14.7ml/sec in the bipolar TURP group, and it increased from 6.7 to 15.2ml/sec in the monopolar TURP group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to monopolar TURP, bipolar TURP can be easily and safely used for treating symptomatic BPH with less morbidity.

The Protein Expressions of Apoptosis-associated Genes in the Obstructed Ureters of Rats / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of ureteral damage from obstructive uropathy has rarely been studied. This study was performed to determine the protein expression of the apoptosis-associated genes in the pathogenesis of ureteral damage during the course of obstructive uropathy in ligated rat ureters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After unilateral ligation of the ureter, each group of five Sprague-Dawley rats was sacrificed and examined at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 days after ligation: five rats with normal ureters were also examined as controls. The protein expressions of the fas-associated death domain (FADD), Bax, Bcl-xL and cyclooxygenases (COX)-2 genes in obstructed ureters were assessed by performing Western blotting. RESULTS: The expressions of FADD protein in the 20 and 25 day-obstructed ureters (DOUs) were significantly higher than that in control ureters and the peak was reached in the 25 DOUs. The expressions of Bcl-xL protein in the 20, 25 and 30 DOUs were significantly higher than that in the control ureters and the peak was reached in the 25 DOUs. The expression of COX-2 protein in the 5, 10, 15, 25 DOUs were significantly higher than that in the control ureters and the peak was reached in the 10 DOUs. CONCLUSIONS: The FADD and Bcl-xL genes were involved in apoptosis of the obstructed ureter. The peaks of their expressions were at 25 DOUs. The expression of the COX-2 gene may be related with apoptosis in the obstructed ureter.

The Usefulness of Non-contact Erection Observation for Evaluation Sexual Function in Male Rat / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Evaluation of sexual function is an important step for animal studies about sexual function. Male rats could display penile erection in the presence of an inaccessible estrous female. We examined the usefulness of observing non-contact erection (NCE) for the evaluation of sexual function in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty five Long-Evans male rats (8 weeks old) were used in this study. Tests for NCE were conducted in a glass chamber divided in half by 2 wire-mesh screens that prevented direct contact, but the rats freely passed other forms of stimulation. If at least 1 NCE could be observed during 45 minutes, we considered this as a positive response. In case of two or three positive responses in three NCE tests, that was considered as NCE (+). After NCE, copulation observations were noted to evaluate sexual function. If at least two ejaculations could be observed during 45 minutes, we considered that a positive response. In case of two or three positive responses in three copulation observations, that was considered as normal sexual function. RESULTS: Twenty one of 45 male rats (47%) were NCE (+) and 34 of 45 male rats (76%) had normal sexual function. In 21 NCE (+) rats, 20 rats had normal sexual function: only one was impotent. The positive predictive value of the NCE observation for the evaluation of sexual function was 95%. In 11 impotent rats, 10 rats were NCE (-). The specificity of the NCE observation was 91%. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that NCE observation could be a useful method for evaluating the sexual function of male rat.

The Serial Microscopic Changes of Cell Proliferative and Apoptotic Phenomenon in Obstructed Ureters in the Rat / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Purpose: Obstructive uropathy due to a ureteral obstruction is one of the most common diseases of the urinary tract, and can lead to severe renal injury and ureteral damage. This study performed to elucidate the histological findings and serial changes in the apoptotic and proliferative phenomena in the pathogenesis of ureteral damage during the course of obstructive uropathy in ligated rat ureters. Materials and Methods: After unilateral ligation of the ureter, each group of five Sprague-Dawley rats was sacrificed, and examined 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 days after ligation: five rats with normal ureters were also examined as controls. The cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) in situ nick-end labeling (TUNEL) study, respectively, in 45 Sprague-Dawley rats. Results: The epithelial layer was thickened in the 5 day-obstructed ureters (DOUs). The severity of thickening of the fibrous and smooth muscle layers progressed consistently to the 15 DOUs, which was maintained until day 35. The expression of PCNA in the epithelial layer was present in every ureter, with a significant increase of labeled cells in the 1 and 5 DOUs. The expressions of PCNA in the fibrous and smooth muscle layers were present from day 10 after ligation and maintained until day 20, but then significantly declined at 25 DOUs. TUNEL-positive cells were shown in the epithelial layer in the 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 DOUs. The mean numbers of TUNEL-positive cells in the 20, 25 and 30 DOUs were significantly higher than those in the 10 DOUs, and reached their peak in the 25 DOUs. Positive cells were shown in the fibrous and smooth muscle layers in the 25, 30 and 35 DOUs. Conclusions: Apoptosis and cell proliferation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ureteral damage in obstructed ureters. The peak of apoptosis was shown in the 25 DOUs.