Is overactive bladder a 'Bladder itch'? Identification of itch specific pathways within the bladder [ 2018 - 2020 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Stuart Brierley (Principal investigator) ,  Prof David Grundy ,  Prof Nicholas Spencer

Brief description Overactive bladder is a leading cause of nocturia, urgency and incontinence. These symptoms arise from sensory nerve fibres in the bladder. We have identified key irritant mechanisms, including the bile acid receptor TGR5 and Mrgpr family, thought to only exist in the skin, also innervate the bladder. We hypothesis that the clinical entity overactive bladder, is triggered by pathological activation of bladder afferents by such irritants and that overactive bladder is essentially a bladder itch.

Funding Amount $AUD 730,673.19

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant