1987 Volume 78 Issue 5 Pages 808-815
The early response of mucosal surface and lumen of the rat bladder to E. coli was examined using the scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy
1) Four hours after the challenge, there were numerous bacteria in the lumen but little on the surface. However within the next 4hr, bacteria progressively attached on the surface. Though 12hr after the challenge, all the mucosa was not covered with bacteria.
2) At 4hr after the challenge, PMN first appeared and at 8hr was widespread on the surface and in the lumen. We observed for the first time with SEM that PMN migrated to the surface from the intercelluler space, phagocytized bacteria on the surface and exfoliated the infected cells actively. PMN was the main defence factor at this time, because bacteria attached on the surface tightly and was not removed by washing out phenomenon only. At 12hr, migrated PMN on the surface was more numerous and phagocytized more actively.
3) We also observed for the first time that RBC attached to bacteria and aggregated on the bladder surface to prevent the spreading of bacteria. Numerous bacteria enclosed by this aggregation of RBC was then removed from the bladder by voiding.
4) At 4hr after the challenge, swelling of many superficial cell (SC) was seen, and at 8hr and 12hr exfolilation of SC and exposed intermediate cell were observed in some portion.
5) Migration of PMN to the surface and change of bladder epithelium were induced by introducing only bacterial product into bladder lumen. Accordingly this suggest that bacteria itself is not necessary to induce cystitis and clinical symptom of cystitis may be produced by bacterial product.
