[Vesical urothelium and new concepts].

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology

Context:

• Traditionally viewed as a passive protective barrier, the vesical urothelium is now recognized for its active sensory roles.
• Recent research highlights the expression of numerous neurotransmitters and receptors within urothelial cells, challenging previous assumptions.

Purpose:

• To explore the active and sensory functions of the vesical urothelium.
• To identify neurotransmitters and receptors expressed by urothelial cells and their potential signaling pathways.

Summary:

• Vesical urothelium cells actively sense stimuli and express neurotransmitters (e.g., Acetylcholine, Nitric Oxide) and receptors (cholinergic, vanilloid, purinergic, tachykinin).
• Urothelium-derived neurotransmitters likely activate afferent nerve fibers via sub-urothelial myofibroblasts, mediating communication.
• This active role suggests the urothelium as a potential target for pharmacologic modulation.

Impact:

• Revises the understanding of bladder physiology beyond a simple protective barrier.
• Opens new avenues for therapeutic strategies targeting urothelial signaling pathways for bladder dysfunction.
• Highlights the importance of urothelial cell function in sensory perception and bladder control.