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[Urethral response to sympathetic nerve stimulation in the cat]
H Kakizaki1, T Koyanagi, M Kato
1Department of Urology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine.
Nihon Hinyokika Gakkai Zasshi. the Japanese Journal of Urology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Hypogastric nerve stimulation causes a greater urethral constriction response than sympathetic chain stimulation in cats. This response is more pronounced in males, indicating sex-based differences in feline urethral innervation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Urology
- Physiology
Context:
- The sympathetic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating lower urinary tract function, including urethral closure.
- Understanding the specific neural pathways involved in feline urethral control is essential for diagnosing and treating related disorders.
Purpose:
- To investigate and compare the functional responses of the feline urethra to stimulation of the hypogastric nerve (HGN) and the lumbosacral sympathetic chain (SC).
- To elucidate the neural pathways mediating sympathetic control of the feline urethra, including potential sex-based differences.
Summary:
- Urethral perfusion pressure was monitored in anesthetized cats during HGN and SC stimulation.
- HGN stimulation induced a significantly larger urethral constrictive response than SC stimulation, particularly in male cats.
- Pharmacological blockade and nerve transection experiments revealed distinct pathways for HGN and SC mediated responses, with SC responses involving pelvic and pudendal nerves.
Impact:
- These findings highlight the prominent role of the hypogastric nerve in feline urethral function and suggest sex-specific differences in sympathetic innervation.
- The study provides valuable insights into the complex neural control of the feline urethra, contributing to the fields of comparative urology and neurophysiology.