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[Afferent nerve activity in relation to bladder sensation].

Naoki Aizawa1,2

  • 1Department of Continence Medicine, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine.

Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi. Folia Pharmacologica Japonica
|November 19, 2019
PubMed
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Bladder afferent nerves, including C-fibers, respond to normal distension. Certain drugs, like mirabegron, can inhibit these nerve activities by reducing bladder microcontractions, offering potential treatments for conditions like overactive bladder.

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Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Bladder afferent nerves comprise myelinated Aδ- and unmyelinated C-fibers.
  • C-fibers were previously considered "silent" during normal bladder distension, but recent findings suggest they respond similarly to Aδ-fibers in rats.
  • Overactive bladder (OAB) and interstitial cystitis (IC) symptoms are linked to bladder afferent function, with myogenic microcontractions potentially contributing to urgency in OAB.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the direct effects of various drugs on bladder afferent function in rodents.
  • To explore the role of bladder myogenic microcontractions in afferent activity and their modulation by drugs.

Main Methods:

  • Rodent models were used to study bladder afferent nerve activity.
  • The effects of multiple drug classes, including anticholinergics, β3-adrenoceptor agonists, α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, and PDE type 5 inhibitors, were assessed.
  • Bladder myogenic microcontractions were analyzed in relation to drug treatment and afferent activity.

Main Results:

  • Most tested drugs demonstrated an impact on bladder afferent function.
  • Mirabegron was identified as a drug that inhibits afferent activities.
  • This inhibition by mirabegron was attributed to the suppression of bladder myogenic microcontractions under both normal and pathophysiological conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Bladder C-fibers play a role in sensory function and respond to normal bladder distension.
  • Drugs can modulate bladder afferent activity, with some acting by suppressing myogenic microcontractions.
  • Targeting bladder myogenic microcontractions represents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing OAB and related conditions.