Histamine receptors in human detrusor smooth muscle cells: physiological properties and immunohistochemical representation of subtypes.

The potent inflammatory mediator histamine is released from activated mast cells in interstitial cystitis (IC). Here, we report on the histamine receptor subtypes involved in the intracellular calcium response of cultured smooth muscle cells (cSMC). Fura-2 was used to monitor the calcium response in cSMC, cultured from human detrusor biopsies.

Endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy: oncological and functional results after 700 procedures.

Purpose: We review our experience with endoscopic (totally) extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE) as first line therapy for localized prostate cancer.

Materials And Methods: A total of 700 consecutive patients underwent EERPE. Mean patient age was 63.

Alterations in connexin expression in the bladder of patients with urge symptoms.

Objective: To compare the formation of gap junctions between detrusor smooth muscle cells in situ and the distribution of connexin (Cx)40, Cx43 and Cx45 expressions in bladder biopsies from a control group (with bladder tumour) and from patients with urge symptoms, as smooth muscle cells of the human detrusor muscle communicate via gap junctions and express several connexin subtypes, alterations of which may be involved in the causes of lower urinary tract symptoms.

Materials And Methods: Connexin expression is prominent in myofibroblast-like cells, supposedly involved in afferent signalling pathways of the bladder. Their strategic position directly beneath the urothelium suggests they are a link between urothelial ATP signalling during bladder filling and afferent Adelta-fibre stimulation for co-ordination of bladder tonus and initialization of the micturition reflex.

Impact of previous surgery on endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy.

Objectives: To assess the impact of previous surgery on endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE).

Methods: A total of 500 patients who underwent EERPE for clinically localized prostate cancer between December 2001 and April 2004 were stratified into five groups: group 1, no previous abdominal, inguinal, or prostate surgery; group 2, previous upper abdominal surgery; group 3a, previous lower abdominal or pelvic surgery or open inguinal hernioplasty; group 3b, laparoscopic or endoscopic inguinal hernioplasty; group 4, previous prostate surgery; and group 5, a combination of groups 2, 3, and/or 4. Groups 1 and 2 were analyzed together, because the previous operative fields in group 2 were distant from the space of Retzius.

Is the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) comparable to humans? Histomorphology of the sphincteric musculature of the lower urinary tract including 3D-reconstruction.

The physiology of the muscle systems of the human lower urinary tract is still not known in detail. To study the functional basics of this complex organ system, experiments are often performed in animal models including rhesus monkeys. To apply the results of animal model studies to the humans, a clear knowledge of the comparative anatomy of both species is necessary.