Effect of cerebellectomy on reflex micturition in the decerebrate dog as determined by urodynamic evaluation

The effect of cerebellectomy on reflex micturition in the decerebrate dog was investigated by cystometric and striated urethral sphincter EMG studies. Before and after cerebellectomy, reflex micturition consisting of bladder contraction and spasmodic contraction of the striated urethral sphincter occurred when a critical degree of filling was reached. Cerebellectomy showed no influence on the striated urethral sphincter EMG activity. However, cerebellectomy produced a significant decrease in threshold volume and threshold pressure during the collecting phase, and also in the contraction pressure and voided volume of the emptying phase. The present study suggests that the cerebellum plays an inhibitory role in the collecting phase and a facilitatory role in the emptying phase during the entire reflex micturition cycle of the decerebrate dog. Further study will have to be done concerning the neurotransmission mechanism that causes these different effects in the collecting and emptying phases.