Efficacy of propiverine, an anticholinergic agent, in young and old rats

We examined the influence of propiverine hydrochloride, an anticholinergic agent, on the micturition reflex, blood pressure, and plasma catecholamine levels in young rats and old rats.

Male F344/DuCrlCrlj Fischer rats (young rats aged 2 months and old rats aged 26 months) were divided into the following 4 groups: a young sham group, an old sham group, a young propiverine group, and an old propiverine group. Rats from the young (body weight: 215±7g) or old propiverine groups (body weight: 414±22g) were administered propiverine hydrochloride (5 or 10mg, respectively) dissolved in distilled water (0.5mL) into the stomach through a fine catheter once daily. Rats from the young and old sham groups were administered the same volume of distilled water. After 2 weeks of treatment, continuous cystometry was done with physiological saline and 0.1% acetic acid, and measurement of plasma catecholamines, blood pressure, and heart rate was performed.

The old rats had a longer interval between bladder contractions and higher plasma catecholamine levels than the young rats. Bladder stimulation by 0.1% acetic acid induced frequency in both young and old rats. Administration of propiverine inhibited the induction of frequency in the old rats, but not in the young rats. Propiverine increased plasma catecholamine levels in the young rats, but not in the old rats.

These findings show that bladder activity varies with aging, and the response to propiverine also changes in an age-related manner.