Microbiology & Immunology Publications
Title
Potential role of extracellular ATP released by bacteria in bladder infection and contractility
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Journal
mSphere
Volume
4
Issue
5
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1128/mSphere.00439-19
Abstract
Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) and overactive bladder (OAB) can both potentially be influenced by commensal and urinary tract infection-associated bacteria. The sensing of bladder filling involves interplay between various components of the nervous system, eventually resulting in contraction of the detrusor muscle during micturition. This study models host responses to various urogenital bacteria, first by using urothelial bladder cell lines and then with myofibroblast contraction assays. To measure responses, we examined Ca2 influx, gene expression, and alpha smooth muscle actin deposition assays. Organisms such as Escherichia coli and Gardnerella vaginalis were found to strongly induce Ca2 influx and contraction, whereas Lactobacillus crispatus and L. gasseri did not induce this response. Additionally, supernatants from lactobacilli impeded Ca2 influx and contraction induced by uropathogens. Upon further investigation of factors associated with purinergic signaling pathways, the Ca2 influx and contraction of cells correlated with the amount of extracellular ATP produced by E. coli. Certain lactobacilli appear to mitigate this response by utilizing extracellular ATP or producing inhibitory compounds that may act as a receptor agonist or Ca2 channel blocker. These findings suggest that members of the urinary microbiota may be influencing UUI or OAB. + + + + +