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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
06:36
A Decentralized (Ex Vivo) Murine Bladder Model with the Detrusor Muscle Removed for Direct Access to the Suburothelium during Bladder Filling
Published on: November 28, 2019
The function of suburothelial myofibroblasts in the bladder
1Institute of Urology, University College London, London, United Kingdom. c.fry@ucl.ac.uk
Neurourology and Urodynamics
|September 1, 2007
Summary
Suburothelial myofibroblasts, crucial for bladder sensation, amplify stretch signals through calcium waves. These specialized cells play a key role in how the bladder wall senses filling.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Suburothelial myofibroblasts form a distinct cellular layer beneath the bladder's urothelium.
- These cells are interconnected via connexin 43 gap junctions, suggesting intercellular communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the properties of suburothelial myofibroblasts.
- To investigate their role in bladder sensory responses and signal propagation.
Main Methods:
- Studied isolated guinea pig and human bladder myofibroblasts.
- Utilized calcium imaging and electrophysiological techniques.
- Examined responses to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and changes in extracellular pH.
- Investigated signal propagation under mechanical stimulation.
Main Results:
- Isolated myofibroblasts exhibit spontaneous membrane potential and intracellular calcium fluctuations.
- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) triggers calcium transients via P2Y receptors, notably P2Y(6).
- Mechanical stimulation induced calcium waves propagating across the suburothelial layer into the detrusor.
Conclusions:
- Suburothelial myofibroblasts form a functional layer capable of signal amplification and propagation.
- These cells likely act as an amplification stage for bladder wall stretch sensory responses during filling.
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