The importance of the cholinergic system in neurourology

Objective: To discuss the parasympathetic cholinergic innervation of the bladder, urethra, prostate and penile erectile tissues, and its functional importance. Methods: Evaluation of published information. Results: Release of acetylcholine and other transmitters from cholinergic nerves may mediate bladder contraction, urethral relaxation, prostatic secretion and penile erection. Disturbances of the cholinergic nervous system can be found in many neurourological disorders, such as outflow obstruction, neurogenic bladders, bladder instability and erectile dysfunction. Conclusions: The role of the parasympathetic cholinergic innervation, its transmitters and signal systems, remains to be explored in several parts of the urogenital region. Changes in the cholinergic system associated with neurourological diseases need further investigation, since the system can be an important target for pharmacological interventions.