Peripheral pharmacological targets to modify bladder contractility

Well-functioning of the urinary bladder is of utmost importance. Changes in bladder activity can lead to frequent voiding or even incontinence (overactive bladder), as well as urinary retention or incomplete emptying of the bladder, resulting in recurrent bladder infections (underactive bladder). The patient populations are very diverse, and treatment strategies are not always optimal. In this thesis, the interactions of two signalling systems, which play a role in the control of the urinary bladder, are investigated - the muscarinic and the prostanoid system. To investigate the interaction between these two systems, urinary bladders from guinea pigs were used. We identified that the muscarinic and prostanoid system enhance each other, leading to amplification and a stronger reaction of the bladder. This may help to identify new treatment targets and develop new therapies for detrusor overactivity or underactivity.