Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Bladder Smooth Muscle Strip Contractility as a Method to Evaluate Lower Urinary Tract Pharmacology
Published on: August 18, 2014
Cyclo-oxygenase- and capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibres affect Beta-adrenoceptor-evoked response in the rat urinary
Paolo Tucci1, C Bartocci, P Bolle
1Dipartimento di Farmacologia delle Sostanze Naturali e Fisiologia Generale, Università degli Studi di Roma I (La Sapienza), Pie Aldo Moro, I-00185 Rome, Italy. Paolo.tucci@uniroma1.it
Abstract:
As reported previously, the beta-adrenoceptor-evoked response in the in vitro rabbit detrusor is inhibited by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prostaglandins can restore this response. This study was designed to better define physiological influences on beta-adrenoceptors in the urinary bladder and to ascertain whether the observations made in the rabbit urinary bladder in vitro were valid in vivo, as well as in a different animal species, i.e. in the rat. The NSAID indometacin partially inhibited the isoproterenol-evoked response in the rat detrusor muscle. When the neurokinin A (NKA) antagonist MEN-10376 was administered after indometacin, the beta-adrenoceptor-evoked response was completely abolished. The isoproterenol-evoked beta response was dose dependently reduced following treatment with the capsaicin antagonist ruthenium red. Taken together, these data indicate an involvement of prostanoids, NKA- and capsaicin-sensitive fibres in the beta-adrenoceptor-evoked response in the rat urinary bladder.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...
Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification
α-Adrenoceptors
α-Adrenoceptors are classified into two main subtypes: α1 and α2. The α1 adrenoceptors, which are found on postsynaptic...
Sympathetic Signaling
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) onto the ganglionic neurons in the...

