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The Frequency-Dependence of Pre- and Postganglionic Nerve Stimulation of Pig and Rat Bladder

Kitney D, Crook J, Chakrabarty B, Kanai A, Vahabi B, Lovick T, Fry C

International neurourology journal, 2021

2 citations

Abstract

Purpose: The urinary bladder generates phasic contractions via action potentials generated in pre- and then postganglionic neurons. Whilst the frequency-dependence of postganglionic neurons to generate contractions has been quantified, the dynamic range of preganglionic neurons is less clear and if intramural ganglia exert frequency-dependent modulation of transmission between pre- and postganglionic neurons. The phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor sildenafil reduces neurotransmitter release from postganglionic fibres to detrusor smooth muscle and an additional question was if there was also a preganglionic action. This study aimed to compare the frequency range of bladder contractile activation by pre- and postganglionic stimulation in pig and rat bladders and if sildenafil exerted additional preganglionic actions.

Methods: An arterially-perfused ex vivo pig bladder preparation was used for preganglionic (pelvic nerve) and mixed pre-and postganglionic (direct bladder wall) stimulation at 36°C and postganglionic mediated contractions achieved by field-stimulation of in vitro isolated detrusor strips. With rats, pelvic nerve stimulation was carried out in vivo and postganglionic stimulation also with isolated detrusor strips.

Results: All contractions were abolished by 2% lignocaine indicating they are nerve-mediated. Stimulation targets were verified with hexamethonium that completely abolished pelvic nerve responses by had no effect on detrusor strips; responses to mixed…

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