Melissa N Youssef
Tanzania
Research Article
The NACHT, LRR and PYD Domains-Containing protein 3 (NLRP3) Inflammasome Mediates Inflammation and Voiding Dysfunction in a Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Rat Model of Cystitis
Author(s): Francis M Hughes Jr, James G Kennis, Melissa N Youssef, Danielle W Lowe, Brooke E Shaner and J Todd PurvesFrancis M Hughes Jr, James G Kennis, Melissa N Youssef, Danielle W Lowe, Brooke E Shaner and J Todd Purves
Objective: NOD-like receptors (NLRs) sense sterile and non-sterile signals and form inflammasomes which trigger an inflammatory response through the activation of caspase-1 and release of IL-1β. Recently we have shown the presence of several NLRs in the bladder urothelia and demonstrated the importance of NLRP3 in bladder outlet obstruction and cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, both models of sterile inflammation. In this study we explore a role for NLRP3 in mediating the response to LPS, a key antigen of uropathogenic bacteria.
Method: In order to bypass the protective glycosaminoglycan layer lining the urothelium, LPS was directly injected into the bladder wall of Sprague-Dawley rats. Glyburide (a NLRP3 inhibitor) or vehicle was administered orally prior to and after injection. Rats were analyzed 24 h later. Inflammasome activity (casp.. View More»