Abstract：
Accurate measurement of urinary parameters in awake mice is crucial for understanding lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction, particularly in conditions like neurogenic bladder post-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). However, conducting cystometry recordings in mice presents notable challenges. When mice are in a prone and restricted position during recording sessions, urine tends to be absorbed by the fur and skin, leading to an underestimation of voided volume (VV). The goal of this study was to enhance the accuracy of cystometry and external urethral sphincter electromyography (EUS-EMG) recordings in awake mice. We developed a unique method utilizing cyanoacrylate adhesive to create a waterproof skin barrier around the urethral meatus and abdomen, preventing urine absorption and ensuring precise measurements. Results show that after applying the cyanoacrylate, the sum of VV and RV remained consistent with the infused saline volume, and there were no wet areas observed post-experiment, indicating successful prevention of urine absorption. Additionally, the method simultaneously stabilized the electrodes connected with the external urethral sphincter (EUS), ensured stable electromyography (EMG) signals, and minimized artifacts caused by the movement of the awakened mouse and manipulation of the experimenter. Methodological details, results, and implications are discussed, highlighting the importance of improving urodynamic techniques in preclinical research.
摘要：
准确测量清醒小鼠的泌尿参数对于了解下尿路（LUT）功能障碍至关重要。特别是在诸如神经源性膀胱创伤后脊髓损伤（SCI）的情况下。然而,在小鼠中进行膀胱测压记录提出了显著的挑战。当老鼠在录音过程中处于俯卧和受限位置时，尿液往往被皮毛和皮肤吸收，导致对作废量(VV)的低估。这项研究的目的是提高清醒小鼠膀胱测压和尿道外括约肌肌电图（EUS-EMG）记录的准确性。我们开发了一种独特的方法，利用氰基丙烯酸酯粘合剂在尿道口和腹部周围形成防水皮肤屏障，防止尿液吸收并确保精确测量。结果表明，应用氰基丙烯酸酯后，VV和RV的总和与注入的盐水体积保持一致，实验后没有观察到潮湿区域，表明成功预防尿液吸收。此外,该方法同时稳定了与尿道外括约肌（EUS）连接的电极，确保稳定的肌电图（EMG）信号，并最小化由唤醒鼠标的运动和实验者的操纵引起的伪影。方法细节，结果，并讨论了其含义，强调在临床前研究中提高尿动力学技术的重要性。
