Urothelium EP1 receptor facilitates the micturition reflex in mice

We investigated the presence of EP1 receptor in the urothelium and its role in micturition reflex by examining the effect of intravesical administration of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE2), an EP1 agonist (ONO-DI-004), acetic acid, and capsaicin. Age-matched EP1-KO mice and C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice were used. Western blots and standard immunohistochemical procedures were performed. Cystometrygram (CMG) was performed without anesthesia in a restraining cage. ATP release from the cultured urothelium cells was performed using luciferin-luciferase luminometry. The EP1 receptor was found to be present in the urothelium. In WT mice, PGE2 infusion shortened the intercontraction interval (ICI) in a dose-dependent fashion; however, it did not alter the ICI in EP1-KO mice. The EP1 agonist significantly shortened the ICI in WT mice, but not in EP1-KO mice. Acetic acid and capsaicin shortened the ICI in both WT mice and EP1-KO mice. EP1 agonist, PGE2 and capsaicin provoked ATP release from cultured urothelial cells. These results suggest that EP1 receptor was present in bladder urothelium, and could be activated by PGE2 to release ATP. EP1 receptor in urothelium might be important for reflex voiding in pathological conditions.