Inactivation of antiadherence effect of bladder surface glycosaminoglycan by a complete urinary carcinogen (N-methyl-N-nitrosourea).

The glycosaminoglycan layer at the bladder surface nonspecifically blocks the adherence of bacteria, ions and molecules to the epithelium. It may be an important element in the 1st line of defense against infection, calculi and even carcinogens for the transitional cells of the bladder. To determine whether the bladder glycosaminoglycan layer plays a role in preventing carcinogenesis, we tested the effect of a complete urinary carcinogen, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, on the glycosaminoglycan barrier in our in vivo adherence assay. Bacterial adherence was significantly greater in carcinogen-treated bladders than in control bladders, indicating that N-methyl-N-nitrosourea inactivates the antiadherence effect of the surface glycosaminoglycan. The bladder glycosaminoglycan layer may help protect the bladder from carcinogens present in the urine. Qualitative or quantitative defects in the glycosaminoglycan(s) present may influence an individual's susceptibility to the development of bladder tumors.