Abstract
Stress-related peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF-related peptides are distributed in the peripheral viscera such as the bladder. We investigated the contribution of psychological stress (PS) and CRF on bladder function. Male rats received sham stress (SS) or PS using a communication box method for 120 min every day for 7 days. One group of rats received the intraperitoneal CRF-R1 antagonist antalarmin for 7 days during stress exposure. Mean voided volume per micturition was significantly lower in PS rats compared to SS rats, which was antagonized by antalarmin treatment. Increases in plasma and bladder CRF, and mRNA expressions of bladder CRF, CRF-R1, and M2/3 muscarinic receptors, were found in PS rats. CRF did not influence bladder contraction in itself; however, stress increased the response of muscarinic contraction of bladder strips. These changes were antagonized by antalarmin treatment. In conclusion, PS reinforces M3 receptor-mediated contractions via CRF-R1, resulting in bladder storage dysfunction.
Highlights
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), isolated from the hypothalamus, is a main factor of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and is known as stress-related peptide[1]
Body weights of rats exposed to sham stress (SS; n = 8), rats exposed to psychological stress (PS; n = 8), and rats exposed to psychological stress treated with the intraperitoneal corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-R1 antagonist antalarmin (PA; n = 8) were 198.3 ± 7.6, 195.0 ± 10.9, and 195.0 ± 10.1 g after 1-week exposures to sham or psychological stress, respectively
This was accompanied by increases in plasma and bladder CRF protein, and mRNA overexpression of CRF, CRF-R1, M2, and M3 muscarinic receptors of the bladder
Summary
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), isolated from the hypothalamus, is a main factor of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and is known as stress-related peptide[1]. Activation of the CRF signaling system plays a role in numerous stress-induced behavioral and visceral disorders This process is regulated by CRF and several CRF-related peptides, the urocortins (Ucns; Ucn[1], Ucn[2], and Ucn3), that bind to CRF receptors[8]. CRF and CRF-related peptides are ancient developmental signaling molecules that allow developing organisms to coordinate physiological responses for adaptation, development, and survival in a changing environment[14]. These peptides and receptors can activate a plethora of signal-transduction pathways such as PKA, PKC, PKB/Akt, ERK, and p38 MAPK. We hypothesized that psychological stress affects bladder function via spinal CRF, but via bladder CRF
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
