Bladder Mucin: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study in Experimental Cystitis

Abstract
Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess surface mucin changes following an induced Escherichia coli urinary tract infection in the rat bladder. The principal changes seen following bacterial challenge were bacterial adherence to the urothelium, swelling of epithelial folds, disruption of the mucin layer and increased adherence of bacteria to the subsurface epithelium. The bladder mucin before infection appeareed as an even, whitish, viscous layer which covered epithelial cells and cell junctions. Bacteria appeared to become enmeshed in mucin strands after infection and this process may facilitate bacterial washout from the bladder. A recovery phase showed reversal of the scanning electron microscopy changes. Apparently mucin may play a role in protecting the bladder from invading and adhering bacteria.