2.1 Samples of human bladder
Samples of human bladder were obtained from 26 patients (11 women, 15
men; patients mean age = 49 ± 10 years; age range = 39–59 years)
undergoing cystectomy owing to bladder cancer in the Second Hospital or
Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. Tissues were examined by a
uropathologist. No histological signs of inflammation or carcinoma were
observed. After removal, each specimen was transported immediately to
the laboratory for organ-bath experiments. A portion of each tissue was
placed in formalin for immunofluorescence experiments.