RESUMEN
AIM: To determine the expression of c-kit mRNA and protein in the bladders in guinea pigs with diabetic cystopathy (DCP) and to explore the correlation and mechanisms between c-kit expression and DCP. METHODS: Sixty guinea pigs were divided randomly into control group (n=20) and experimental group (n=40). The guinea pigs in experimental group were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes mellitus. After fed for 10 weeks, the animals in both groups were tested with urodynamics, and the guinea pigs in experimental group were divided into the subgroups of DCP and the diabetic no-cystopathy (NDCP) group according to the results of urodynamics. mRNA expression of c-kit was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein expression of c-kit was tested and analyzed by laser scanning confocal microscope. RESULTS: Decreased expression of c-kit mRNA was observed in DCP group compared to control and the NDCP group. The ratio of c-kit mRNA and GAPDH was 5.66±0.54 in controls (P<0.05), 5.54±1.28 in NDCP group (P<0.05) and 4.65 ±0.47 in DCP group. c-kit protein expression significantly declined in DCP group. The mean value of fluorescence intensity was 856.52± 53.03 in control group, 844.67± 59.24 in NDCP group and 548.69± 48.51 in DCP (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The declined expression of c-kit) gene at transcription and translation levels destroys the SCF/c-kit signal pathway, leading to the dysfunction of Cajal-like) cells in DCP guinea pig, so the abnormal expression of c-kit gene is involved in the pathogenesis of DCP.