Objective To determine if inhibition of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) can counteract the changes in urodynamic variables and bladder afferent activities induced by intravesical prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) instillation in rats. Materials and methods In female Sprague-Dawley rats we studied the effects of URB937, a peripherally restricted FAAH inhibitor, on single-unit afferent activity (SAA) during PGE(2)-induced bladder overactivity (BO). SAA measurements were made in urethane-anaesthetised rats and Ad-and C-fibres were identified by electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerve and by bladder distention. Cystometry (CMG) in conscious animals and during SAA measurements was performed during intravesical instillation of PGE(2) (50 or 100 mu M) after intravenous administration of URB937 (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) or vehicle. In separate experiments, the comparative expressions of FAAH and cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, in microsurgically removed L6 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were studied by immunofluorescence. Results During CMG, 1 mg/kg URB937, but not vehicle or 0.1 mg/kg URB937, counteracted the PGE(2)-induced changes in urodynamic variables. PGE(2) increased the SAAs of C-fibres, but not Ad-fibres. URB937 (1 mg/kg) depressed Ad-fibre SAA and abolished the facilitated C-fibre SAA induced by PGE(2). The DRG nerve cells showed strong staining for FAAH, CB1 and CB2, with a mean (SEM) of 77 (2)% and 87 (3)% of FAAH-positive nerve cell bodies co-expressing CB1 or CB2 immunofluorescence, respectively. Conclusion The present results show that URB937, a peripherally restricted FAAH inhibitor, reduces BO and C-fibre hyperactivity in the rat bladder provoked by PGE(2), suggesting an important role of the peripheral endocannabinoid system in BO and hypersensitivity.