Role of detrusor PDGFRα(+) cells in mouse model of cyclophosphamide-induced detrusor overactivity

Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis is a rodent model that shares many features common to the cystitis occurring in patients, including detrusor overactivity (DO). Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha positive (PDGFRα(+)) cells have been proposed to regulate muscle excitability in murine bladders during filling. PDGFRα(+) cells express small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (predominantly SK3) that provide stabilization of membrane potential during filling. We hypothesized that down-regulation of the regulatory functions of PDGFRα(+) cells and/or loss of PDGFRα(+) cells generates the DO in CYP-treated mice. After CYP treatment, transcripts of Pdgfrα and Kcnn3 and PDGFRα and SK3 protein were reduced in detrusor muscle extracts. The distribution of PDGFRα(+) cells was also reduced. Inflammatory markers were increased in CYP-treated detrusor muscles. An SK channel agonist, CyPPA, increased outward current and hyperpolarization in PDGFRα(+) cells. This response was significantly depressed in PDGFRα(+) cells from CYP-treated bladders. Contractile experiments and ex vivo cystometry showed increased spontaneous contractions and transient contractions, respectively in CYP-treated bladders with a reduction of apamin sensitivity, that could be attributable to the reduction in the SK conductance expressed by PDGFRα(+) cells. In summary, PDGFRα(+) cells were reduced and the SK3 conductance was downregulated in CYP-treated bladders. These changes are consistent with the development of DO after CYP treatment.