Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a bioactive phospholipid, strongly enhances contractile functions of urinary bladder smooth muscles

PAF may be one of the endogenous mediators leading to detrusor overactivity

Prof. Yoshio Tanaka(back row, left) and members of the Department of Chemical Pharmacology

A research group led by Professor Yoshio Tanaka of the Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, has revealed that platelet-activating factor (PAF), a bioactive phospholipid, strongly enhances the contractile mechanical activities of urinary bladder smooth muscles through the PAF receptor and that the PAF‑synthesizing and PAF‑degrading systems exist in urinary bladder smooth muscle tissues. The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports on February 17, 2022.

Key points

PAF, a bioactive phospholipid showing various physiological activities such as platelet aggregation and leukocyte migration effects et etc., is related to inflammatory/allergic responses. Recently, it was reported that smoking induces PAF accumulation in urinary bladder microvascular endothelial cells and urothelial cells, which suggests that PAF plays an important role in the development of urinary bladder diseases. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effects of PAF on the contractile mechanical activities of urinary bladder smooth muscles have not been examined to date.
In this study, a research group led by Professor Yoshio Tanaka discovered for the first time that PAF strongly enhances the contractile mechanical activities of urinary bladder smooth muscles through stimulation of its receptor and that the PAF‑synthesizing and PAF‑degrading systems exist in urinary bladder smooth muscle tissues.
These findings indicate that PAF is an endogenous new phospholipid contributing to the regulation of urinary bladder smooth muscle contractile function and that its over-production or stimulation of its muscle sensitivity may lead to urinary bladder disfunctions such as overactive bladder (OAB).

Journal Name: Scientific Reports Vol. 12, 2783 (2022)

Authors: Ge Liu, Mizuki Kaneko, Kento Yoshioka, Keisuke Obara, Yoshio Tanaka

DOI number：10.1038/s41598-022-06535-7

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