OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the effects of electrical stimulation (ES) of the pelvic floor on the bladder of rats. METHODS: Forty rats were studied and divided into the following groups: GI (control group) - did not receive ES, GII (placebo) - did not receive ES but had an electrode inserted into the vagina; GIII - underwent six sessions of ES of the pelvic floor and GIV - rats that underwent 12 sessions of ES. Subsequently, the bladder was removed and the epithelium, muscle and blood vessels were analyzed. RESULTS: The muscle wall in GIV had increased thickness when compared to other groups. Further, the number of blood vessels was similar in GIII and GIV, which was higher than that found in GI and GII. Finally, there was an increase in the relative percentage of muscle fibers in relation to collagen for GIV compared to GI. CONCLUSION: After 12 sessions of ES in rats the muscle layer, the number of blood vessels and the relative percentage of muscle fibers were increased.
Urinary bladder; transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation; morphology
