ObjectiveTo explore the roles of stem cell factor (SCF) on the loss of interstitial cells (ICCs) in the bladder of diabetic rats, which have not been investigated.MethodsThe rats were assigned to 3 groups: normal control rats, diabetic rats, and SCF-treated diabetic rats. The diabetic rat model was created using a streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneal injection. The SCF and c-kit levels in bladder tissue were determined using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The quantity of ICCs as represented by c-kit-positive cells was examined by image analysis of immunofluorescence staining.ResultsCompared with the control rats, the diabetic rats exhibited a significant decrease in the SCF levels and c-kit expression and number of ICCs in the bladder tissues. All these impaired parameters were effectively restored to the control level after exogenous SCF treatment.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the loss of ICCs in the bladder tissue of diabetic rats can be attributed to a deficiency in endogenous SCF. The beneficial effect of exogenous SCF on diabetic depletion of ICCs could provide a theoretical rationale for the use of SCF as a potential therapeutic drug in treating patients with diabetes-related voiding dysfunction.