In vivo cystometrogram studies in urethane-anesthetized and conscious guinea pigs

Urinary bladder cystometry using urethral catheters is described in vivo in a urethane-anesthetized guinea pig preparation and compared to an awake-animal preparation in which surgically implanted catheters were used. Anticholinergic drugs dose-dependently inhibited the peak intravesical pressure (PvesP) to a maximum of approximately 80% but had no effect on other cystometrogram (CMG) parameters (threshold pressure, bladder capacity). Stereoselectivity was evident; dexetimide but not levetimide potently depressed PvesP. Oxybutynin was equipotent (ID50 approximately 0.15 mg/kg) in both preparations and showed a similar duration of action (t1/2 = 48-53 min). The data suggests that CMG parameters and the effects of oxybutynin were not affected by urethane anesthesia, making the in vivo urethane-anesthetized guinea pig preparation a valuable tool to evaluate both the filling and voiding phases of cystometry.