Serotonergic modulation of bladder afferent pathways.
Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)
Normal bladder function is based on activation and maintenance of a sophisticated reflex mechanism involving sympathetic, parasympathetic, and somatic control of the lower urinary tract. The spinal and supraspinal neuronal pathways involved can be modulated by activation or inhibition of neurons in the periphery, at the lumbosacral and thoracolumbar spinal levels, and at supraspinal regulatory sites. Activation of the primary afferent neurons that innervate the lower urinary tract is the first step on this reflex pathway. Under conditions in which bladder function is compromised, abnormal activity in these afferent neurons can induce changes in these circuits, resulting in bladder dysfunction. Control and modulation of afferent pathways is a recent focus for the development of novel treatments for lower urinary tract disorders. This review focuses on the central regulation of bladder function by central serotonergic modulation of sensory pathways. Modulation of this monoaminergic system has dramatic effects on bladder activity and can be a target for pharmacologic treatment of bladder disorders.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Burgard, EC; Fraser, MO; Thor, KB
Published Date
- October 1, 2003
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 62 / 4 Suppl 1
Start / End Page
- 10 - 15
PubMed ID
- 14550832
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1527-9995
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/s0090-4295(03)00590-9
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States