Expression of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor in Rat Bladder Smooth Muscle Cells in Response to a Streptzotocin Induced Diabetes Mellitus Model.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to investigate angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors in rat bladder smooth muscle cells and alterations of AT1 receptors by diabetes mellitus and diuretic states. MATERIALS AND METHODS Diabetes and diuresis were induced in adult female rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and feeding 5% sucrose in water. Cystometry was performed on control, diuretic, and diabetic rats at 2 and 8 weeks after treatment. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect expression of AT1 receptors in the bladder smooth muscle cell membrane. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS In diabetic rats, expression of AT1 receptors in the bladder smooth muscle cell membrane increased at 2 weeks and further increased at 8 weeks. The local renin-angiotensin system in the rat bladder might be activated by the continuous hyperglycemia caused by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin administration.