The present study was performed to evaluate the expression of the cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the mouse urinary bladder and to assess their co-localization with the purinergic P2X(3) receptor, a major

player in the transduction of sensory events in the bladder. Also, the effect of intravesical administration of a cannabinoid agonist on the electrical activity of bladder afferent fibers was studied. The expression of mRNA coding for CB1 receptor was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). Immunofluorescence experiments were performed to study CB1 and P2X3 protein ASP2215 cost expression in the bladder. The electrical activity of bladder afferent fibers was recorded using an ex vivo bladder-nerve preparation. Mechanical stimulation of the bladder was performed by a controlled MK-0518 chemical structure slow inflation with an external pump. A bolus of a cannabinoid agonist (AZ12646915) was administered intravesically prior to a second inflation. Afferent activity was measured before and after administration of the cannabinoid compound or its vehicle. The effects of CB1 receptor antagonist (AM251) on the AZ12646915 response were also analyzed. Cannabinoid receptor CB, mRNA was detected in the urinary bladder of the mouse. The protein was found in the urothelium, as well as in nerve fibers. CB1 and P2X3 receptors were found to be co-expressed in urothelial cells and in some nerve fibers.

In addition, intravesical administration of a cannabinoid receptor agonist reduced the mechanically-evoked activity of bladder afferents in the pelvic nerve. This effect was abolished by find more the previous administration of the CB1 antagonist AM251. These data demonstrate the presence of

cannabinoid CB, receptor mRNA and the protein in the mouse urinary bladder. CB1 and P2X3 protein co-localization supports the hypothesis of an interaction between the cannabinoid and the purinergic systems in the transduction of sensory information in the urinary bladder. Finally, the reduction of nerve activity induced by cannabinoid-receptor activation implicates CB1 receptors in the peripheral modulation of bladder afferent information. (C) 2009 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Child maltreatment remains a major public-health and social-welfare problem in high-income countries. Every year, about 4-16% of children are physicafly abused and one in ten is neglected or psychologically abused. During childhood, between 5% and 10% of girls and up to 5% of boys are exposed to penetrative sexual abuse, and up to three times this number are exposed to any type of sexual abuse. However, official rates for substantiated child maltreatment indicate less than a tenth of this burden. Exposure to multiple types and repeated episodes of maltreatment is associated with increased risks of severe maltreatment and psychological consequences.