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Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra

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The lower urinary system consists of the urinary bladder and urethra, which are essential in storing and expelling urine from the body. Together with the internal and external sphincters, these structures work together to regulate urination effectively.Anatomy of the BladderThe urinary bladder is a muscular, stretchable organ behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. In females, the bladder is positioned anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus, while in males, it is located...

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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Primary Neurons and Glia from Adult Rat Urinary Bladder

Isolation and Culture of Primary Neurons and Glia from Adult Rat Urinary Bladder

Published on: May 23, 2020

Neuropeptides in lower urinary tract function.

Lauren Arms¹, Margaret A Vizzard

¹Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology

|February 4, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Neuropeptides in the lower urinary tract (LUT) are crucial for bladder function. Alterations in these neuropeptide systems are linked to LUT dysfunction and may offer therapeutic targets.

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Isolation and Culture of Primary Neurons and Glia from Adult Rat Urinary Bladder

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Bladder Smooth Muscle Strip Contractility as a Method to Evaluate Lower Urinary Tract Pharmacology

Bladder Smooth Muscle Strip Contractility as a Method to Evaluate Lower Urinary Tract Pharmacology

Published on: August 18, 2014

Area of Science:

Urology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology

Background:

The lower urinary tract (LUT) expresses numerous neuropeptide/receptor systems.
These systems are found in both neural and non-neural components, including the urothelium.
Neuropeptide expression is observed in afferent and autonomic efferent neurons innervating the bladder and urethra.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of neuropeptide/receptor systems in the lower urinary tract.
To understand the distribution and function of neuropeptides in LUT components.
To explore the neuroplastic changes in neuropeptide systems associated with LUT dysfunction.

Main Methods:

Immunohistochemical analysis of neuropeptide distribution in LUT tissues.
Assessment of neuropeptide expression in neural and urothelial components.
Correlation of neuropeptide changes with LUT dysfunction states.

Main Results:

Neuropeptides like vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, substance P, and endothelin-1 are expressed in the LUT.
LUT neuropeptide immunoreactivity is present in nerves and urothelium.
Neuropeptides show tissue-specific distributions and functions, with neuroplastic changes in dysfunction.

Conclusions:

LUT neuropeptide/receptor systems play a significant role in normal and dysfunctional voiding.
Abnormal voiding symptoms may result from altered neuropeptide balance in bladder reflex pathways.
These neuropeptide/receptor systems represent potential therapeutic targets for LUT disorders.