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The role of prostanoids in urinary bladder physiology

Nature Reviews Urology volume 9, pages 283–290 (2012)Cite this article

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Abstract

Five primary prostanoids are synthesized by the cyclooxygenase enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2: the prostaglandins PGE2, PGF2α, PGI2, PGD2 and thromboxane A2. High levels of these signaling molecules have been implicated—in both animal models and human studies—in decreased functional bladder capacity and micturition volume and increased voiding contraction amplitude. Thus, inhibition of prostanoid production or the use of prostanoid receptor antagonists, might be a rational way to treat patients with detrusor muscle overactivity. Similarly, prostanoid receptor agonists, or agents that stimulate their production, might have a function in treating bladder underactivity. Although some promising results have been reported, the adverse effects of nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitors are a major concern that restricts their use in the treatment of functional bladder disorders. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed before cyclooxygenase inhibitors, prostanoid receptor agonists and antagonists become worthwhile therapeutic tools in this setting.

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Figure 1: An overview of prostanoid synthesis and prostaglandin receptor affinity.
Figure 2: Schematic overview of the distribution of prostanoid receptors in the mammalian bladder.
Figure 3: Common pathological states of the urinary bladder.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported, in part, by an unconditional personal research grant (Mozaïek) to M. S. Rahnama'i by The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). We are grateful to Dr Jan de Vente for his help with the preparation of this manuscript.

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  1. Department of Urology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Mohammad S. Rahnama'i, Philip E. V. van Kerrebroeck, Stefan G. de Wachter & Gommert A. van Koeveringe

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M. S. Rahnama'i researched the data for the article and wrote the manuscript. G. A. van Koeveringe contributed to the discussions of its content. All authors reviewed and edited the manuscript before submission.

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Correspondence to Mohammad S. Rahnama'i.

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G. A. van Koeveringe declares that he has been on the advisory boards for Allergan and Astellas Pharma.

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Rahnama'i, M., van Kerrebroeck, P., de Wachter, S. et al. The role of prostanoids in urinary bladder physiology. Nat Rev Urol 9, 283–290 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrurol.2012.33

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