Characterization of bladder calculi and urinalysis in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) treated with mesenchymal adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) after partial urinary bladder allotransplantation

Abstract

Bladder calculi associated or not with early crystalluria or salt deposits can be a common finding after reconstructive bladder surgery. The objective of this study was to characterize calculi and urine of domestic rabbits treated with mesenchymal adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) after partial urinary bladder allotransplantation. Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits were submitted to surgery and treated postoperatively with cyclosporine or ADSCs for immunosuppression. There were no signs of graft rejection in either treatment group 30 days after surgery. Fewer animals presented bladder calculi in the ADSC treated group (33.3%) compared to the cyclosporine treated group (58.3%). Calcium was the predominant component of calculi in both groups. Urinalysis revealed no haematuria or bacteriuria in the ADSC group, in contrast to the results obtained for the cyclosporine group. ADSCs may be an attractive alternative to cyclosporine for immunosuppression after bladder allotransplantation.