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Mast Cell and Bladder Pain Syndrome

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Bladder Pain Syndrome

Abstract

It is likely that Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) has a multifactorial etiology that may act predominantly through one or more pathways resulting in the typical symptom complex. There are an abundance of theories regarding the pathogenesis. Among the numerous proposals are “leaky epithelium,” mast cell activation, and neurogenic inflammation. Current evidence from clinical and laboratory studies confirms that mast cells play a central role in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of BPS, at least in a subgroup of the patients. An increased number of activated mast cells in the bladder lining including in the detrusor muscle are thought to play an important role in pathophysiology of BPS. Upon activation mast cells release biologically active mediators that may cause the symptoms of BPS. In this chapter, we focus on the role of mast cells in BPS, and current available information is provided.

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Correspondence to Kirsten Bouchelouche M.D., D.M.Sc. .

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Bouchelouche, K., Bouchelouche, P. (2013). Mast Cell and Bladder Pain Syndrome. In: Nordling, J., Wyndaele, J., van de Merwe, J., Bouchelouche, P., Cervigni, M., Fall, M. (eds) Bladder Pain Syndrome. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6929-3_5

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