Stretch-activated release of adenosine triphosphate by bladder uroepithelia is augmented in interstitial cystitis

Abstract

Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has been shown to mediate inflammation and nociception, and it may play a role in the etiology of interstitial cystitis (IC). We theorize that the bladder uroepithelia release ATP in response to stretch and furthermore, this process is augmented in IC.