Optogenetic urothelial cell stimulation induces bladder contractions and pelvic nerve afferent firing
Gabriella L. Robilotto, Olivia J. Yang, Firoj Alom, Richard D. Johnson, Aaron D. Mickle
Abstract
Urothelial cells play a sensory role in bladder function. However, it has been particularly challenging to study this communication as both sensory neurons and urothelial cells express similar sensory receptors. Here we demonstrate using an optogenetic technique, that specific urothelial stimulation alone resulted in bladder contractions. This approach will have a long-lasting impact on how we study urothelial-to-sensory neuron communication and the changes that occur under disease conditions.
Topics & Concepts
OptogeneticsStimulationAfferentMedicineNerve stimulationNeuroscienceAnatomyBiologyInternal medicineUrinary Bladder and Prostate ResearchSpaceflight effects on biologyCircadian rhythm and melatonin