Increased Leukotriene and Prostaglandin Release, and Overactivity in the Chronically Ischemic Bladder

Abstract

Chronic ischemia increased bladder 5-lipoxygenase, and COX-1 and COX-2 protein expression, and altered leukotriene and PG production. Treatment with COX and lipoxygenase inhibitors produced completely different effects in the ischemic bladder compared with the control bladder. Functional changes in the ischemic bladder were concurrent with structural changes in the urothelium. PGs modulate smooth muscle contractility in the healthy bladder. However, under ischemic conditions leukotrienes dominate bladder tone and appear to have a leading role in increased smooth muscle contraction and bladder overactivity.