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Updated: May 9, 2026

Bladder Smooth Muscle Strip Contractility as a Method to Evaluate Lower Urinary Tract Pharmacology
Published on: August 18, 2014
Central nervous targets for the treatment of bladder dysfunction
Naoki Yoshimura1, Minoru Miyazato, Takeya Kitta
1Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This review explores how the central nervous system regulates lower urinary tract function and discusses new treatments for voiding dysfunction, including urinary frequency and incontinence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Urology
- Physiology
Background:
- Lower urinary tract function relies on smooth and striated muscle activity.
- Neural circuits in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral ganglia control these muscles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding voiding disorder pathophysiology.
- To focus on the role of the central nervous system in these disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on neurotransmitters and neural regulation.
- Involvement of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, amino acids, ATP, nitric oxide, and neuropeptides is examined.
Main Results:
- Nervous system injuries or diseases can cause voiding dysfunctions.
- Dysfunctions include urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence.
- Drugs and peripheral organ disorders also contribute to voiding problems.
Conclusions:
- Identifies potential therapeutic targets within the central nervous system.
- Discusses novel treatment modalities for managing voiding dysfunction.
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