Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Evaluation of Biomaterials for Bladder Augmentation using Cystometric Analyses in Various Rodent Models
Published on: August 9, 2012
Zolpidem increases bladder capacity and decreases urine excretion in rats
Osamu Yokoyama1, Yosuke Matsuta, Hiroko Yanai-Inamura
1Department of Urology, Faculty of Medical Science, University of Fukui, 23-3 Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.
Aims:
To clarify the effects of zolpidem, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptor agonist, on bladder function, and urine production, we investigated the effects of zolpidem administration on bladder overactivity induced by cerebral infarction (CI) and on urine excretion increased by water overloading in Wistar rats.
Methods:
CI was induced by left middle cerebral artery occlusion. The effects on bladder function of zolpidem alone or in combination with the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline, were then examined in the CI rats using cystometry. The antidiuretic effect of zolpidem was investigated in water-loaded and Brattleboro rats (genetically vasopressin-deficient). Blood samples were collected from water-loaded rats to determine the aldosterone level 1 and 6 hr after zolpidem administration.
Results:
Zolpidem increased bladder capacity dose-dependently, but had no significant effect on bladder contraction pressure in CI rats. Bicuculline dose-dependently inhibited zolpidem-induced increases in bladder capacity without affecting bladder contraction pressure. Zolpidem dose-dependently decreased the volume of urine excreted in water-loaded and Brattleboro rats. Compared with the control group, zolpidem significantly increased the aldosterone concentration in the plasma of water-loaded rats 1 hr after administration.
Conclusions:
Zolpidem increased bladder capacity via a GABAergic mechanism in CI rats, and suppressed urine excretion via a pathway that was not through activation of vasopressin V(2) receptors in water-loaded and Brattleboro rats. These results suggest that zolpidem may improve nocturia via an increase in bladder capacity and a decrease in urine excretion.
More Related Videos
11:46Urinary Bladder Distention Evoked Visceromotor Responses as a Model for Bladder Pain in Mice
Published on: April 27, 2014
10:07Cystometric and External Urethral Sphincter Measurements in Awake Rats with Implanted Catheter and Electrodes Allowing for Repeated Measurements
Published on: January 30, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Thiazide-Class Diuretics
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone