LAUSR

In this issue of Acta Physiologica, Kullmann et al. examined the morphology and potential role in sensory signaling of a different class of specialized cells in mouse urethral epithelium that express serotonin (5-HT), termed paraneurons.1 They propose that the paraneurons function as important detectors and transmitters in the urethral sensory mechanisms. Signalling from the afferent nerves of the lower urinary tract (LUT) is required for sensation of pain, bladder filling, and initiation and maintenance of the micturition reflex.2 Afferent signaling can be generated by the contractile activity of the detrusor myocytes,3 but also by the mucosa. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.