Stimulation of atypical cannabinoid receptor GPR55 abolishes the symptoms of detrusor overactivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats
In Summary
Overactive bladder is a troublesome disease affecting up to 15% of the population in many European countries, with females being more likely affected than males. Medications currently available in the clinics to manage this condition are associated with significant side effects, leading to low patients’ adherence to prescriptions. For this reason, the need for better tolerated drugs is urgent.
Through a novel study, an atypical, lesser known cannabinoid receptor, GPR55, has emerged as a potential target for such drugs. In this study, scientists injected female mice exhibiting abnormal bladder functions with a cannabinoid that specifically and efficiently activates GPR55 receptor. They found that these mice subsequently showed less inflammation in the urinary bladder, normalization of activities of detrusor - the muscle regulating the relaxation and contraction of the bladder and hence, normalization of bladder functions.
This study has uncovered the unexpected but important role of a lesser known cannabinoid receptor as a potential drug target for overactive bladder therapy especially in females. Nonetheless, the translation from animal studies into medications used in the clinics surely requires additional research.
Through a novel study, an atypical, lesser known cannabinoid receptor, GPR55, has emerged as a potential target for such drugs. In this study, scientists injected female mice exhibiting abnormal bladder functions with a cannabinoid that specifically and efficiently activates GPR55 receptor. They found that these mice subsequently showed less inflammation in the urinary bladder, normalization of activities of detrusor - the muscle regulating the relaxation and contraction of the bladder and hence, normalization of bladder functions.
This study has uncovered the unexpected but important role of a lesser known cannabinoid receptor as a potential drug target for overactive bladder therapy especially in females. Nonetheless, the translation from animal studies into medications used in the clinics surely requires additional research.