Selective reduction of neurotransmitter release by cAMP-dependent pathways in mouse detrusor

Parasympathetic nerve-mediated contractions of detrusor smooth muscle are generated by ATP and acetylcholine (ACh) release from efferent nerve terminals. In humans, ACh is responsible for detrusor contractions in normal human bladders, whereas ATP has an additional role in overactive bladder pathologies. The ATP metabolite, adenosine, relaxes nerve-mediated contractions, with a potential action via presynaptic adenosine A₁ receptor activation and subsequent suppression of neuronal ATP release. We investigated the effect of A₁ receptor activation and downstream cAMP-dependent pathways on nerve-mediated ATP and ACh release, and detrusor contraction in mouse detrusor. Bladders from male C57BL/6 mice (12 wk) were used for in vitro experiments. Upon electrical field stimulation of intact preparations (detrusor and mucosal layers), ATP or ACh release was measured simultaneously with tension recordings. Activation of A₁ receptors by adenosine or exogenous agonists reduced the lower frequency component of nerve-mediated contractions and neuronal ATP release. The A₁ receptor antagonist abolished these effects. A₁ receptor activation inhibits adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity and cAMP generation. The effect of A₁ receptor activation was mimicked by a PKA antagonist but not by modulators of exchange proteins activated by cAMP, demonstrating that modulation of nerve-mediated ATP release is via PKA. Adenosine had no effect on ACh release or the higher frequency component of nerve-mediated contractions. Differential regulation of neurotransmitter release is possible at the detrusor nerve-muscle junction, as demonstrated by A₁ receptor activation, and downstream inhibition of AC, cAMP generation, and PKA. The ability to specifically attenuate ATP release offers a potential to target purinergic motor pathways enhanced in overactive bladder pathologies.