Crystal adherence to rat bladder epithelium after long-term E. coli infection.

The normal urothelium is covered by a mucous coat which acts as an unspecific barrier against the adhesion of bacteria, cancer cells and crystals. Acute bacterial infections cause disruptions of the mucous coat and impairment of its anti-adherent property. The effect of long-term infection is, however, not known. Live E. coli were inoculated into rat urinary bladders and a persisting infection was obtained by creating a small bladder diverticulum. After 2, 10 and 21 days a crystal adhesion assay showed a twofold increased adherence to the urinary bladder in the infected rats compared to control (p < 0.001). One possible explanation could be an injury to the mucous coat.