Acute changes in the bladder reservoir function after irradiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy: a matter of mouse strain.

The acute change in bladder reservoir function was investigated in two different strains of mice [C3H/HaA and C3D2F1 (C3H/Tif x DBA/2)] to elucidate strain dependent differences in response. Both groups were investigated by repeated bladder fillings over a period of 30 days after various treatments. The end point was a 50% reduction in bladder volume at an intravesical pressure of 20 mmHg. Treatment consisted of irradiation alone, chemotherapy alone [Cyclophosphamide (CTX) or Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (Cis-DDP)] or irradiation in combination with either drug. A significant difference in response between the two strains of mice was noted in the groups treated with CTX alone, irradiation alone and a combination of Cis-DDP plus irradiation. The importance of a strain-dependent response in experimental assays is emphasized.