Involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in pudendal inhibition of nociceptive bladder activity in cats

Non-technical summary Lower urinary tract disorders including painful and overactive bladder conditions are very difficult to treat. Neuromodulation which is one of the successful therapies for lower urinary tract disorders, stimulates afferent nerves to modulate the neural pathway and achieve a therapeutic effect. We show that the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 is activated in the central nervous system during pudendal neuromodulation. Understanding the neurotransmitter mechanisms involved in neuromodulation therapy may promote the development of new pharmacological treatments or improve the clinical outcome by combining neuromodulation with pharmacological therapy.