biostudies-literatureShaffer ADNIDDK NIH HHSNINDS NIH HHSNational Institutes of Health286-292https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC5530371biostudies-literatureUnknown36(2)<h4>Aims</h4>Previous studies have shown that the activin-binding protein follistatin reduces inflammation in several mouse models of colitis. To determine whether follistatin also has a beneficial effect following bladder inflammation, we induced cystitis in mice using cyclophosphamide (CYP) and examined the relationship between bladder hypersensitivity and bladder follistatin expression.<h4>Methods</h4>Adult female C57BL/6 mice were treated with CYP (100 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline) three times over 5 days. Bladder hypersensitivity was assessed by recording the visceromotor response (VMR) to urinary bladder distension and in vitro single-fiber bladder afferent recording. Follistatin gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was employed for further characterization.<Neurourology and urodynamicsA novel role for follistatin in hypersensitivity following cystitis.PMC5530371NS035790R01 NS035790K01 DK100460R01 DK093525La JHShaffer ADGebhart GFFeng BJoyce SCfalseA novel role for follistatin in hypersensitivity following cystitis.<h4>Aims</h4>Previous studies have shown that the activin-binding protein follistatin reduces inflammation in several mouse models of colitis. To determine whether follistatin also has a beneficial effect following bladder inflammation, we induced cystitis in mice using cyclophosphamide (CYP) and examined the relationship between bladder hypersensitivity and bladder follistatin expression.<h4>Methods</h4>Adult female C57BL/6 mice were treated with CYP (100 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline) three times over 5 days. Bladder hypersensitivity was assessed by recording the visceromotor response (VMR) to urinary bladder distension and in vitro single-fiber bladder afferent recording. Follistatin gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was employed for further characterization.<2017-01-01T00:00:00Z2017 Feb2026-04-08T13:53:53.461Z2026-04-08T03:22:11.162ZS-EPMC55303712671385010.1002/nau.22941