[Effects of nicergoline on artificially induced micturition in the rabbit with and without prostatic hypertrophy]

An original experimental model of prostatism is proposed: Prostatic hypertrophy was induced in rabbit by testosterone 5 mg/kg-1. Three days later an increased number of micturitions, a correlate decrease in volume and an increased premictionnal vesical pressure were observed during a perfusion of the bladder in situ by NaCl 1 ml min-1. Phenoxybenzamine was not deeply studied because a lack of satisfaisant dose action-curve. I.V. administration of low doses of nicergoline (50 to 250 mcg/kg-1) reduced the consequences of the induced prostatic hypertrophy on the micturitions. These results are considered as a confirmation of a greater number of alpha 1-adrenoceptors in the bladder than in detrusor and allow us to confirm the use of nicergoline as a medical treatment of urinary retention in prostatic hypertrophy.