Corticotropin releasing factor: a mediator of emotional influences on bladder function.
OBJECTIVE
We review evidence linking overactive bladder (OAB) and interstitial cystitis with anxiety and depression, and highlight the importance of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) as a potential mediator of these conditions.


METHODS
We review the literature and describe ongoing experiments.


RESULTS
CRF is expressed in areas of the central nervous system that control voiding and response to stress. CRF is increased during anxiety, depression and pain as well as functional disorders of the pelvic viscera. Epidemiological studies reveal an association between anxiety and voiding disorders. Experiments in our laboratory show that CRF stimulates bladder activity while CRF antagonists inhibit OAB.


CONCLUSIONS
Epidemiological, genetic and neuropharmacological evidence links disorders of voiding and anxiety. CRF may participate in these events and warrants further investigation as a therapeutic target in the treatment of OAB and interstitial cystitis.
Klausner
Adam P
AP
Department of Urology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Steers
William D
WD
D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety / Q000503:physiopathology; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017463:Receptors, Complement 3b / Q000502:physiology; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000502:physiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000502:physiology*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology
C101531:CRF receptor type 2; D017463:Receptors, Complement 3b; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone