动物实验 z-bo 2020-09-09 464

　　Perhaps one day, radiation can solve the problem of overactive bladder or urinary incontinence. Implants that use LED lights to stimulate nerves have been shown to restore bladder control in mice. Related results were recently published in the journal Nature. Patients with bladder dysfunction often have an uncontrollable urge to urinate. The disease is caused by excessive signal transmission between the brain and the bladder.

　　Several medical devices have been developed to prevent such miscommunication of information. This method sends a weak current to the nervous system related to the brain bladder signal. However, these devices may be inconvenient because they require the battery case to be placed outside the body and not only stimulate the bladder nerves. Today, Robert Jerow of the University of Washington and his colleagues have developed a fully implantable device specifically designed to stimulate bladder nerves.

　　The device consists of three parts. Two green LED lights, a metal ring around the bladder and a thin control center. The device contains a small battery that can be charged wirelessly, so no external battery pack is required.

　　This device has been implanted in mice with bladder dysfunction. The metal ring can measure the size of the bladder. When it detects that the mouse urinates more than once an hour, the LED light will light up. These mice have previously received gene therapy, and their nerve cells can participate in bladder brain signaling to produce light-sensitive proteins. When the LED light is on, it activates the protein. This prevents the urination signal from passing through the bladder to the brain. In a 7-day study, the frequency of urination in mice was significantly reduced, and bladder control appeared to return to normal levels.

　　Gero said: "The bladder function between mice and humans is very similar." However, some adjustments are needed before the device can be developed for humans. Because a person's bladder is very thick, it may require red light to penetrate the tissue.