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Project

Videocystometry - an novel approach to define the role of sensory TRP channels in bladder physiology

The bladder wall can be considered a sensory organ that constantly gathers information on the filling state and content of the bladder. Afferent nerve fibers convey this information to the central nervous system, which ensures a timely and socially accepted voiding behaviour. Dysfunction of this sensory function leads to important bladder pathologies including bladder overactivity or bladder pain. In the bladder wall, TRP ion channels are considered as key molecular sensors implicated in the sensation of stretch, temperature or chemicals, and preclinical results suggest that drugs targeting specific TRP channels can be developed to treat specific bladder pathologies. However, the exact role of the TRP channels in bladder (patho)physiology remains unclear, largely due to a lack of detailed experimental approaches to study the consequences of TRP channel activation/inhibition at the level of the bladder wall and bladder outlet. In this project, we propose to use a newly developed technique, dubbed videocystometry, to study the role of TRP channels in the bladder with unprecedented detail. The technique combines intravesical pressure measurements with accurate X-ray-based recordings of bladder volume and of movements of the bladder wall and urethra. By applying this innovative technique in wild type mice, mice lacking the expression of bladder TRP channels, and mice treated with TRP channel (ant) agonists we expect to obtain key insights in their (patho)physiological role.

Date:1 Jan 2018 →  31 Dec 2021
Keywords:Videocystometry, TRP ion channel, Bladder
Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences