Potentiation by bradykinin and substance P of purinergic neurotransmission in urinary bladder

Purpose: The higher than normal levels of substance P (SP) and the kinins in patients suffering from interstitial cystitis suggest that they may contribute to the complex symptoms of the condition. The purpose of our experiments was to determine whether SP and bradykinin (BK) influence the excitatory motor innervation of the urinary bladder. Materials and Methods: Strips of guinea pig urinary bladder were placed in isolated tissue baths, and the influence of SP and BK on contractions induced by transmural electrical stimulation and cholinergic and purinergic agonists was evaluated. Results: Substance P and BK potentiated responses to the purinergic component of the neurogenic stimulation (that part of the contractile response that remains after treatment with atropine) and potentiated responses to exogenously applied adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The peptides did not potentiate the response to the cholinergic component of the nerve-induced contraction (that part of the neurogenic response that remains after desensitization of purinoceptors with alpha,beta-methylene ATP) nor responses to carbachol. The potentiating actions of SP and BK were reduced but not abolished by treatment with meclofenamic acid. Conclusions: Substance P and BK potentiate the neurogenic response of the bladder by influencing the purinergic component of the excitatory motor innervation, apparently at a postjunctional site. Prostaglandins may be involved in mediating some of the actions of these peptides.