The bladder cooling reflex in man--characteristics and sensitivity to temperature

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Neuroscience
• Physiology

Background:

• The ice-water test is a supplementary urodynamic method for diagnosing overactive bladder subtypes.
• A bladder cooling reflex, originating from cold receptors in the bladder wall, has been identified in cats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the threshold temperature of the human bladder cooling reflex.
• To compare the human bladder cooling reflex characteristics with those observed in cats.

Main Methods:

• Investigated patients undergoing positive ice-water tests.
• Measured the threshold temperature for the human bladder cooling reflex.
• Assessed the relationship between bladder temperature and cooling reflex strength.

Main Results:

• The estimated threshold temperature for the human bladder cooling reflex was found to be lower than in cats but above nociceptor stimulation temperatures.
• The strength of the bladder cooling reflex showed an inverse relationship with bladder temperature, similar to findings in cats.
• Evidence suggests the human bladder possesses cold receptors with excitatory reflex connections to the detrusor muscle.

Conclusions:

• The human bladder cooling reflex is organized similarly to that in laboratory animals.
• The human bladder is equipped with cold receptors that trigger excitatory reflexes in the detrusor.
• These findings enhance understanding of bladder physiology and overactive bladder diagnosis.