MULTIMODAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT THERAPY OF FIC

摘要

Increased activation of the stress response system (SRS) appears to be an overarching feature in the pathophysiology of feline idiopathic/interstitial cystitis (FIC). In normal animals, stressors activate the outpouring of catecholamines and adrenal corticosteroids; corticosteroids then provide negative feedback to the release of ACTH and CRF and brainstem activation of catecholamines which turns off the response appropriately. Studies of cats with FIC have shown dysregulation of the SRS, in that release of catecholamines, is not constrained by outpouring of adrenal corticosteroids. Acute activation of the stress response system is appropriate, whereas chronic activation imposes additional "wear and tear" on the body. The failure of adrenal corticosteroids to adequately restrain the stress response in FIC cats may help explain the waxing and waning nature of FIC, and how acute stressors create "flares" of LUTS and co-morbid disorders.