4th International Consultation On Incontinence (ICI) - Neural Control Committee Highlights

PARIS, FRANCE (UroToday.com) - The committee divided their presentation into two sections; the first on the "periphery" and the second part on "higher centers and pathophysiology." Dr. Birder began by reviewing the neuroanatomy of the lower urinary tract and the barrier function of the urothelium. She described how surface vesicle fusion during urothelial stretch helps to maintain the barrier function (trafficking) and how this mechanism my also help regulate neurotransmiiter release and surface receptor composition. In addition to the well-known barrier function, Dr. Birder presented new findings that suggest that the urothelium plays a primary role as a transducer of physical and chemical stimuli. First, the urothelium expresses cell surface receptors (such as P2X) and ion channels (such as TRPV1) which are similar to those... [read full story]