The Journal of Urology
Volume 183, Issue 4 , Pages 1288-1295, April 2010

Bladder Afferent Signaling: Recent Findings

  • Anthony Kanai

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence: Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh, A-1224 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261 (telephone: 412-624-1430; FAX: 412-628-7197)
  • ,
  • Karl-Erik Andersson

Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine (KEA), Winston Salem, North Carolina

Received 30 June 2009 published online 19 February 2010.

Purpose

Much current research on lower urinary tract physiology focuses on afferent mechanisms. The main goals are to define and control the signaling pathways by which afferent information is generated and conveyed to the central nervous system. We summarize recent research on bladder afferent mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

We systematically reviewed the literature by searching PubMed® up to June 2009 with focus on the last 5 years.

Results

At least 2 signaling pathways can be identified, including the urothelial and the myogenic pathway. The urothelial pathway is a functional unit consisting of the urothelium, interstitial cells and afferent nerves in the lamina propria. Signaling occurs via muscle-mucosal mechanoreceptors, mucosal mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors. The myogenic pathway is activated via in-series mechanoreceptors responding to distention and via spontaneous contractile activity in units of myocytes generating afferent noise.

Conclusions

To control dysfunctional micturition we must know more about all components involved in normal micturition control, including how afferent information is handled by the central nervous system.

Key Words: urinary bladder, afferent pathways, muscle contraction, urothelium, urination disorders

Abbreviations And Acronyms: ATP, adenosine triphosphate, DO, detrusor overactivity, DRG, dorsal root ganglia, ICC, interstitial cells of Cajal, LUT, lower urinary tract, OAB, overactive bladder, RTX, resiniferatoxin, TRP, transient receptor potential

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 30.00 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0022-5347(09)03240-6

doi:10.1016/j.juro.2009.12.060

The Journal of Urology
Volume 183, Issue 4 , Pages 1288-1295, April 2010