Botulinum toxin treatment of urethral and bladder dysfunction.
Tremendous excitement has been generated by the use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of various types of urethral and bladder dysfunction over the past several years. Botulinum toxin is the most lethal naturally occurring toxin known to mankind. Why, then, would an urologist want to use this agent to poison the bladder or urethral sphincter? In this review article we will examine the mechanisms underlying the effects of botulinum toxin treatment. We will discuss the current use of this agent within the urologic community and will provide perspectives on future targets of botulinum toxin.
Yokoyama
Teruhiko
T
Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Okayama 700 8558, Japan. uroyoko@md.okayama-u.ac.jp
Kumon
Hiromi
H
Smith
Christopher P
CP
Somogyi
George T
GT
Chancellor
Michael B
MB
D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000187:drug effects; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D014522:Urethral Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001745:Urinary Bladder Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
D020033:Protein Isoforms; D001905:Botulinum Toxins