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KEY POINTS * Endogenously produced cannabinoids (termed 'endocannabinoids') can modify the micturition process in animal models * Activation of cannabinoid receptors by
endocannabinoids reduces the firing of bladder sensory nerves and decreases micturition frequency in rodent models of inflammatory bladder hyperalgesia * Based on data from these models, the
endocannabinoid system might influence sensory dysfunction during bladder pathologies * Local endocannabinoid and/or fatty-acid ethanolamide signals are recruited in models of bladder
inflammation * Data obtained from rats with bladder overactivity or from patients with detrusor overactivity and/or bladder pain implicate neuronal cannabinoid receptor 1 plasticity in the
pathophysiology of chronic bladder dysfunctions * Blockade of endocannabinoid degradation and fatty-acid ethanolamides by fatty-acid amide hydrolase inhibitors has been shown to ameliorate
bladder disorders in various experimental models, but no information is currently available regarding humans ABSTRACT Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in all age groups and
both sexes, resulting in tremendous personal suffering and a substantial burden to society. Antimuscarinic drugs are the mainstay of symptom management in patients with LUTS, although their
clinical utility is limited by the high prevalence of adverse effects, which often limit patients' long-term adherence to these agents. Data from controversial studies in the 1990s
revealed the positive effects of marijuana-based compounds on LUTS, and sparked an interest in the possibility of treating bladder disorders with cannabis. Increased understanding of
cannabinoid receptor pharmacology and the discovery of endogenous ligands of these receptors has prompted debate and further research into the clinical utility of exogenous cannabinoid
receptor agonists relative to the unwanted psychotropic effects of these agents. Currently, the endocannabinoid system is considered as a potential drug target for pharmacological management
of LUTS, with a more favourable adverse event profile than antimuscarinic agents. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription content, access via your
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* Learn about institutional subscriptions * Read our FAQs * Contact customer support SIMILAR CONTENT BEING VIEWED BY OTHERS TARGETING THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM FOR THE TREATMENT OF
ABDOMINAL PAIN IN IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME Article 27 September 2022 CANNABINOID SIGNALLING AND EFFECTS OF CANNABIS ON THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Article 19 November 2020 THE RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN CANNABIS AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: CLEARING THE HAZE Article 23 January 2025 REFERENCES * Abrams, P. _ et al_. Fourth International Consultation on Incontinence Recommendations of
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Google Scholar Download references AUTHOR INFORMATION AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * Division of Drug Research, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 581
83, Sweden Petter Hedlund * Department of Urology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, Munich, 81377, Germany Christian Gratzke Authors * Petter Hedlund View author
publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Christian Gratzke View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
CONTRIBUTIONS Both authors contributed equally to the researching data, writing, and editing and or reviewing of this manuscript prior to submission. CORRESPONDING AUTHOR Correspondence to
Christian Gratzke. ETHICS DECLARATIONS COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no competing financial interests. POWERPOINT SLIDES POWERPOINT SLIDE FOR FIG. 1 POWERPOINT SLIDE FOR FIG. 2
POWERPOINT SLIDE FOR FIG. 3 RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Hedlund, P., Gratzke, C. The endocannabinoid system — a target for the
treatment of LUTS?. _Nat Rev Urol_ 13, 463–470 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrurol.2016.110 Download citation * Published: 05 July 2016 * Issue Date: August 2016 * DOI:
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