Morphology, calcium signaling and mechanical activity in human ureter.

Purpose: We determined the mechanisms of calcium signaling in the human ureter, and the relationship to peristaltic contractions and bundular structure in living tissue, thereby advancing the understanding of ureteral function in health and obstruction and reflux.

Materials And Methods: Confocal imaging of 31 ureters was performed and simultaneous force and calcium measurements were made. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were also performed.