title: The promise of beta3-adrenoceptor agonists to treat the overactive bladder.
abstract: The detrusor muscle contains beta-adrenoceptors (beta-ARs), of which two subtypes--beta1-AR and beta2-AR--have been identified in most species. Although beta2-AR has an important role in muscle relaxation, evidence suggests that a third subtype--beta3-AR--mediates relaxation of human detrusor muscle. This article reviews the evidence for beta3-AR in human detrusor muscle and urothelium and discusses the potential use of beta3-AR agonists for the treatment of overactive bladder. In addition, the cAMP-dependent and -independent mechanisms of relaxation by way of beta-ARs in rat detrusor muscle, with and without pre-contraction, are reported. Finally, the consequences of mutation of a beta3-AR gene (relating to the pathophysiology of idiopathic detrusor instability) are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Suite 700, Kaufmann Building, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Furuta
authors.forename: Catherine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Masahide
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Higaki
authors.forename: Michael B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Chancellor
authors.forename: Naoki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yoshimura
authors.forename: Osamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
mesh_terms: D058667:Adrenergic beta-3 Receptor Agonists; D006801:Humans; D022702:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3 / Q000502:physiology; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D058667:Adrenergic beta-3 Receptor Agonists; D022702:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3