ICS 2009 - Role of CRF receptors in bladder pain

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ICS 2009 - Involvement of urothelial CRF receptors in modulating bladder function

Friday, 09 October 2009

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, USA (UroToday.com) - The corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) signaling system is known to modulate pain responses and play a major role in the body’s response to stress. Studies have supported a role for CRF in visceral hypersensitivity with direct effects on pelvic viscera.

This study addressed the urothelial cell expression and function of the CRF receptors (CRF1 and CRF2) in rat urothelial cells and cat urothelial cells (normal cats and cats with feline IC). The data show expression of both receptor subtypes in bladder urothelial cells of cats and rats. A differential response to CRF between normal and feline IC urothelial cells suggests that the CRF receptor activity may be modified in feline IC. In animals, stress-sensitization is associated with induction of hyperalgesic states similar to many functional pain syndromes.

It is likely that abnormalities in the urothelial CRF receptor signaling may play a prominent role in bladder pain.


Presented by A. Hanna-Mitchell, MD in a session moderated by Bert Messelink, MD and Christopher K. Payne, MD at the International Continence Society (ICS) 39th Annual Meeting - September 29 - October 3, 2009 - Moscone Convention Center - San Francisco, CA, USA