The role of desmin in active force transmission and maintenance of structure during growth of urinary bladder.
The role of the intermediate filament protein desmin in hypertrophy of smooth muscle was examined in desmin deficient mice (Des -/-). A partial obstruction of the urethra was created and after 9-19 days bladder weight increased about 3-fold in both Des -/- and wild type (Des +/+) animals. Bladder growth was associated with synthesis of actin and myosin. In the hypertrophic Des +/+ bladder the rela