To investigate the effect of tamsulosin hydrochloride on bladder microcirculation in a rat ischemia-reperfusion model using a pencil lens charge-coupled device microscopy system (PLCMS).

Changes in blood flow through a submucosal capillary of the rat bladder were measured during bladder filling using the PLCMS. One week after starting infusion of either physiological saline or tamsulosin, blood flow in the bladder was halted by bladder overdistention via an infusion of physiological saline. The bladder was then emptied to be reperfused with blood. Changes in blood flow through a submucosal capillary of the bladder during ischemia and reperfusion were measured using a PLCMS, and the data obtained for the control group and tamsulosin group were compared.

As the bladder was distended, the velocity of red blood cell flow in a submucosal capillary of the bladder slowed and stopped altogether when the bladder became overdistended. In the control group, capillary blood flow improved over time after release from overdistention but failed to return to the baseline level, demonstrating that reperfusion injury to bladder microcirculation was caused by bladder overdistention and emptying. In the tamsulosin group, capillary blood flow rapidly returned to baseline after release from overdistention.

Using a PLCMS, bladder microcirculation was able to be visualized and quantitatively assessed by measuring the velocity of blood flow in a submucosal capillary of the bladder. Findings from the present study suggest that tamsulosin hydrochloride exerts a protective effect on blood flow in ischemia-reperfusion injury of the bladder.