A role for the P2X receptor in urinary tract physiology and in the pathophysiology of urinary dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
We provide a historical perspective of the P2X receptor class in bladder physiology and the pathophysiology of urinary dysfunction.


METHODS
A literature search was performed using the MEDLINE database.


RESULTS
Evidence suggests that P2X receptors serve a combined function in sensory and motor activity of human bladder. P2X receptors mediate excitation of sensory neurons and evoke muscle contraction in response to ATP release. Anatomical and functional defects in the P2X receptor signaling are associated with a variety of urologic diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
Current research underscores the importance of P2X receptors in urologic physiology. Potential applications exist in relation to the diagnosis and treatment of urinary dysfunction. However, the detailed mechanism of P2X receptor function in bladder physiology and in urinary tract disease remains unknown and warrants further investigation.
Rapp
David E
DE
Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 6038, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. derapp@yahoo.com
Lyon
Mark B
MB
Bales
Gregory T
GT
Cook
Sean P
SP
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2 / Q000502:physiology*; D058469:Receptors, Purinergic P2X; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014553:Urinary Tract Physiological Phenomena
D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; D058469:Receptors, Purinergic P2X