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How does the urothelium affect bladder function in health and disease? ICI-RS 2011.
L A Birder1, M Ruggieri, M Takeda
1Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. lbirder@pitt.edu
Neurourology and Urodynamics
|January 26, 2012
Summary
The urothelium, a sensory organ, transduces physical and chemical stresses, influencing lower urinary tract function. This review explores its role in bladder pathologies and therapeutic delivery.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The urothelium is a specialized epithelial tissue lining the urinary bladder.
- It functions as a physical barrier and a sensory organ, detecting mechanical and chemical stimuli.
- Dysregulation of urothelial sensory functions is implicated in various lower urinary tract disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the sensory transduction mechanisms of the urothelium.
- To explore the urothelium's role in lower urinary tract pathologies like overactive bladder and painful bladder syndrome.
- To discuss the influence of urothelial properties on drug delivery and bladder underactivity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on urothelial sensory function.
- Analysis of the role of specific molecular mediators, including muscarinic receptors and TRPV channels.
- Discussion of pathways influencing detrusor smooth muscle contractility.
Main Results:
- The urothelium transduces various stresses via specific transmitters.
- Alterations in urothelial sensory pathways are linked to lower urinary tract symptoms.
- Muscarinic receptors and TRPV channels are key players in urothelial sensory signaling.
Conclusions:
- The urothelium is a critical sensory component of the lower urinary tract.
- Understanding urothelial sensory mechanisms is vital for diagnosing and treating bladder dysfunction.
- Urothelial properties impact the efficacy of intravesical therapies.
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