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Incontinence

How do β3-adrenoceptor agonists work in the bladder?

Data from an immunohistochemical study reveal abundant expression of β3-adrenoceptors on cholinergic nerves of the human urinary bladder. This finding suggests that the effects of β3-adrenoceptor agonists on overactive bladder are not mediated simply through direct inhibition of bladder smooth muscle cell excitability, but might involve a more complex mechanism, including an inhibitory effect on cholinergic nerve terminals.

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Correspondence to Yasuhiko Igawa.

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Igawa, Y., Aizawa, N. How do β3-adrenoceptor agonists work in the bladder?. Nat Rev Urol 14, 330–332 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrurol.2017.43

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