Type III collagen messenger RNA is modulated in non-compliant human bladder tissue

Purpose: Previous studies have demonstrated that the non-compliant bladder is characterized histologically by an increased deposition of extracellular matrix protein, especially type III collagen, in the muscle wall. We sought to determine if an increased tissue level of type III collagen messenger RNA (mRNA) parallels the observed increase in protein expression. Materials and Methods: Using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) quantitative technique we measured and compared the bladder tissue concentration of type III collagen mRNA between an experimental group of patients (n = 7) with urodynamically proven non-compliant bladders (< 12 cc/cm. H2O) and a control group (n = 8) with normal bladder compliance (> 20 cc/cm. H2O). Results: The mean (+/- S.E.M.) of type III collagen mRNA level in the non-compliant group was 11.72 +/- 2.56 attomole/milligram (amol/mg.) which was almost threefold higher than the level 4.26 +/- 0.74 amol/mg measured in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.027). Conclusions: Type III collagen mRNA levels are increased in the human non-compliant bladder. Therefore the accumulation of type III collagen protein is, in part, transcriptionally regulated.