Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if bladder overactivity in humans is associated with an altered activity of Ca(2+) channels in detrusor smooth muscle and the consequent activation of other ion channels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Samples of bladder were obtained from patients with urodynamically stable bladders, or with idiopathic detrusor overactivity. Isolated cells were patch-clamped with pipettes containing a Cs(+)-based filling solution to isolate inward currents, or a K(+)-filling solution to measure outward current. Components of inward current were separated according to their sensitivity to NiCl(2) (< or =100 microm) and nifedipine.

RESULTS:

Ni(2+)-sensitive (T-type) and nifedipine-sensitive (L-type) current was recorded in all cells. The voltage- and time-dependent properties were similar in cells from both patient groups. However, the current density of the L-type current was less, and that of the T-type current was greater, in myocytes from overactive bladders. In cells from overactive bladders, the mean K(+) current over the range - 80 to - 50 mV was also higher than in control cells. This current was sensitive to the large-conductance channel modulator iberiotoxin and to NiCl(2) (100 microm)

CONCLUSIONS:

Detrusor myocytes from overactive human bladders have a higher T-type Ca(2+) current density; we propose that this increases transient outward currents, and so might contribute to higher levels of spontaneous activity.