Urinary bladder prostanoids--their synthesis, function and possible role in the pathogenesis and treatment of disease.

The present review surveys the factors governing the synthesis of prostanoids by the urinary bladder, their role in the maintenance of normal bladder function, the pattern of their secretion in bladder disease and, finally, their possible use in the treatment of bladder pathology. It should be emphasized that this area of investigation is in its infancy, and therefore the pathophysiological and clinical relevance of these observations is, to some extent, speculative. However, a certain degree of awareness is necessary to stimulate further studies in this promising field of research.