Primary Urethral Cells

Here you can find smooth muscle cells, urothelial cells and microvascular endothelial cells.

The urinary bladder is a hollow organ made up of smooth muscle cells. The relaxation and contraction of urinary bladder smooth muscle allows the bladder to store and void urine, respectively. Phenotypic modulation of bladder smooth muscle cells and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase are associated with various pathological conditions, including bladder dysfunction.

The urothelial cells, the cells lining the surface of the urinary bladder, are comprised of a unique cell type with high plasticity and a variety of cell functions. They are the first line of bladder defense and serve as an interface between pathogens that is equipped with several defense mechanisms to prevent adherence of pathogens and maintain impermeability to urinary solutes.

The vascular endothelial cells contribute to the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. They synthesize and secrete activators as well as inhibitors of both the coagulation system and the fibrinolysis system, and mediators that influence the adhesion and aggregation of blood platelets. Endothelial cells also release molecules that control cell proliferation and modulate vessel wall tone.