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Synaptic potentials induced by postganglionic stimulations in cat bladder parasympathetic neurones
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Stimulating cat bladder nerves reveals synaptic potentials mediated by various receptors. This research explores cholinergic, adrenergic, and purinergic pathways in bladder control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Autonomic Nervous System Physiology
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- The bladder's parasympathetic ganglia play a crucial role in micturition control.
- Understanding synaptic transmission within these ganglia is key to identifying potential therapeutic targets for bladder dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare synaptic potentials evoked by stimulating pre- and postganglionic nerve trunks in cat bladder parasympathetic ganglia.
- To characterize the receptor types involved in mediating these synaptic potentials.
Main Methods:
- Intracellular recording techniques were employed in cat bladder parasympathetic ganglia.
- Stimulation of pre- and postganglionic nerve trunks was performed.
- Pharmacological agents, including nicotinic, muscarinic, alpha-adrenergic, and purinergic receptor antagonists, were used to identify receptor involvement.
Main Results:
- Stimulation of the postganglionic nerve elicited either an antidromic action potential (type PostNS1) or a fast excitatory postsynaptic potential (f-EPSP; type PostNS2).
- A fast depolarization, mediated by nicotinic receptors, was observed in some PostNS1 cells.
- Repetitive stimulation induced a slow hyperpolarization, which was partially or completely inhibited by receptor antagonists, suggesting involvement of cholinergic, noradrenergic, and purinergic receptors, as well as non-identified pathways.
Conclusions:
- Postganglionic nerve stimulation in cat bladder parasympathetic ganglia evokes diverse synaptic potentials.
- These potentials involve a complex interplay of cholinergic, noradrenergic, and purinergic signaling.
- The findings highlight the presence of non-cholinergic, non-alpha-adrenergic, and non-purinergic pathways contributing to synaptic transmission in this system.