Date of Completion

Spring 5-9-2010

Thesis Advisor(s)

George Kuchel

Honors Major

Physiology and Neurobiology

Disciplines

Cellular and Molecular Physiology | Physiology

Abstract

Detrusor underactivity (DU) increases susceptibility to urinary retention and accordingly further complicates the management of urinary incontinence. Bladder muscle stretch, a lack of estrogen, and aging are 3 notable DU risk factors. The aim of this research is to better characterize the changes in cellular composition of the bladder that result from these 3 risk factors to gain a better understanding of DU pathogenesis and pathobiology. This research focuses on the effects of a lack of estrogen while also providing an outline for determining the effects of bladder muscle stretch and aging on the cellular composition of the bladder.

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