Effect of acupuncture at bladder nerve segment-related acupoints on urothelial TRPV1 and TRPV4 in rats with overactive bladder

Key Points

• This research investigates the effects of acupuncture on TRPV1 and TRPV4 expression in the urothelium of rats with overactive bladder.
• Used 42 female SD rats divided into different groups (sham, model, acupuncture, and various treatment combinations)
• Created overactive bladder models using partial bladder obstruction
• Administered acupuncture for 7 days and assessed bladder function and pathological changes
• Measured TRPV1 and TRPV4 expression using q-PCR and Western Blot analysis
• The model group showed significant bladder pathological damage and increased TRPV1 and TRPV4 expression compared to the sham group
• Acupuncture reduced bladder pathology and decreased TRPV1 and TRPV4 expression in comparison to the model group
• Combination treatments with TRPV1 and TRPV4 modulators showed varying effects on bladder function and receptor expression.