Electrophysiological properties of the bladder

Abstract

The electrophysiological properties of detrusor smooth muscle are described, in particular with regard to their influence on the contractile properties of the tissue. The Ca2+ and K+ channel activities are most important in generating action potentials, but the role of several other ionic currents is described, including Cl-, Ca2+-activated, stretch-activated and ligand-gated channels. The variable appearance and functions of different ionic currents in disease states is discussed, as well as the question of whether electrical activity can transmit between adjacent smooth muscle cells. In addition, the precise role that electrophysiological phenomena play in the regulation of the contractile state of the smooth muscle cells, as well as the generation of bladder electromyograms, is discussed.