Signalling molecules in the urothelium

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:297295. doi: 10.1155/2014/297295. Epub 2014 Aug 10.

Abstract

The urothelium was long considered to be a silent barrier protecting the body from the toxic effects of urine. However, today a number of dynamic abilities of the urothelium are well recognized, including its ability to act as a sensor of the intravesical environment. During recent years several pathways of these urothelial abilities have been proposed and a major part of these pathways includes release of signalling molecules. It is now evident that the urothelium represents only one part of the sensory web. Urinary bladder signalling is finely tuned machinery of signalling molecules, acting in autocrine and paracrine manner, and their receptors are specifically distributed among different types of cells in the urinary bladder. In the present review the current knowledge of the formation, release, and signalling effects of urothelial acetylcholine, ATP, adenosine, and nitric oxide in health and disease is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / metabolism*
  • Adenosine / metabolism
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Muscle, Smooth / physiopathology*
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Urinary Bladder / metabolism*
  • Urinary Bladder / pathology
  • Urinary Bladder Diseases / metabolism*
  • Urothelium / metabolism*
  • Urothelium / pathology

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Adenosine
  • Acetylcholine