Immunoexpression of adrenergic receptors in detrusor from patients with prune belly syndrome: a digital quantification

Abstract Introduction Prune belly syndrome (PBS) presents with large-capacity bladders, high compliance and post-void residual volumes. Operative and conservative treatments are controversial. When histologically compared to normal bladder, bladder outlet obstruction results in an up- or down-regulation of adrenoceptors. Our goal was to study the immunoexpression of adrenoceptors in detrusor from patients with PBS. Materials and methods Bladder domes from PBS patients ( n  = 14) were studied (PBG). For normal controls, bladder specimens were obtained at adult surgery ( n  = 13) (CG1) and at child autopsy ( n  = 5) (CG2). Staining was performed using antibodies to α1a, α1b, α1d and β3 adreno…