Inherited pelvic organ prolapse in the mouse: preliminary evaluation of a new murine model

Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2009 Jan;20(1):19-25. doi: 10.1007/s00192-008-0723-7. Epub 2008 Sep 19.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to report the initial anatomic, radiographic, and genetic evaluations of a novel form of spontaneous pelvic organ prolapse (S-POP) in mice. We observed S-POP in a colony of UPII-SV40T transgenic mice developed for studies on bladder cancer. We utilized magnetic resonance imaging and necropsy to characterize this finding. We have established a breeding colony to identify inheritance patterns and for future studies. Selective breeding isolated the S-POP phenotype from the transgene. In contrast to other animal models, the S-POP mouse does not require an obligatory antecedent event to manifest pelvic organ prolapse. Necropsy and imaging demonstrate significant displacement of the pelvic organs distal to the pelvic floor in both sexes. The appearance of the POP is similar to that seen in the human female phenotype. Preliminary breeding studies indicate an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. This mouse may be an effective animal model for the study of POP in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cystocele / diagnostic imaging
  • Cystocele / genetics*
  • Cystocele / pathology
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Female
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Pedigree
  • Pelvis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pelvis / pathology
  • Pelvis / physiopathology
  • Phenotype
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Uterine Prolapse / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterine Prolapse / genetics*
  • Uterine Prolapse / pathology