Understanding Nerves for Bladder Control and Pain
Characterization of Hypogastric Afferent Pathway Involved in Urinary Bladder Function and Dysfunction
This research aims to understand how certain nerves in the bladder contribute to normal function and painful conditions like urgency and frequency.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158708 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people experience bladder problems like urgency, frequent urination, or pain, often linked to how nerves in the bladder send signals. While some nerves are known to control normal bladder filling, others, called 'silent' nerves, become active and cause discomfort when the bladder is irritated or infected. This project focuses on a specific set of nerves, the hypogastric nerves, which are thought to play a key role in these painful bladder conditions. By learning more about how these nerves work, we hope to find new ways to help people with conditions like Overactive Bladder (OAB) and Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS).
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals experiencing chronic bladder pain, urgency, and frequency.
Not a fit: Patients without bladder conditions or those whose symptoms are not related to nerve signaling may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target the nerves causing bladder pain and dysfunction, offering relief for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of some bladder nerves is understood, the specific contribution of these 'silent' hypogastric nerves to bladder pain is a relatively new area of discovery.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beckel, Jonathan M — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Beckel, Jonathan M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.