To investigate the inhibitory effect and possible mechanism of intraurethral stimulation on overactive bladder (OAB) induced by acetic acid irritation.
Cystometry was performed in 13 urethane-anesthetized female rats.
Intravesical infusion of 0. 5% acetic acid was used to irritate the bladder and induce OAB. Multiple cystometrograms were performed with mirabegron, continuous stimulation, mirabegron plus continuous stimulation, and β3-adrenoceptor antagonist plus continuous stimulation to determine the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect by intraurethral stimulation.
Infusion of acetic acid significantly decreased bladder capacity. Intraurethral stimulation at 2. 5 Hz plus mirabegron significantly increased bladder capacity and decreased the nonvoiding contraction count. The changes were strongly inhibited after the β3-adrenoceptor antagonist was administered.
Activation of urethral afferent nerves can reverse OAB, which activates C-fiber afferent nerves. This animal study indicates that intraurethral stimulation may interfere with OAB through hypogastric nerve activation and pudendal nerve neuromodulation.
International neurourology journal. 2015 Sep 22 [Epub]
Yu Tian, Limin Liao, Jean Jacques Wyndaele
Department Translational Neurosciences, Laboratory Urology, University of Antwerp, Faculty GGW, Antwerp, Belgium ; Department of Urology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ; Department of Urology, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. , Department of Urology, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. , Department Translational Neurosciences, Laboratory Urology, University of Antwerp, Faculty GGW, Antwerp, Belgium ; Department of Urology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.