Histamine Content and Mast Cell Count of Detrusor Muscle in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis and Other Types of Chronic Cystitis

Abstract

The quantitative mast cell count in the detrusor muscle, the histamine content and the degree of collagen staining material in the bladder wall were evaluated to elucidate their value in distinguishing between patients with interstital cystitis and other types of chronic cystitis. The number of mast cells in the detrusor muscle was statistically signifcantly increased in patients with interstitial cystitis compared with the control group (P < 0.0001). With a proposed level of > 20 mast cells/mm2 of muscle tissue the diagnostic specificity was 88% and the diagnostic sensitivity 95%. The histamine content in the bladder wall was significantly increased in patients with interstitial cystitis (P < 0.05) but not useful as a diagnostic test. The amount of collagen staining material was significantly increased in the intra- and inter-fascicular muscle tissue of the bladder in patients with interstitial cystitis (P < 0.0005, P < 0.001) and might be used as a support for the histological diagnosis, even if patients with uncontracted bladders.