Saphenous nerve stimulation normalizes bladder underactivity induced by tibial nerve stimulation in cats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Urology
• Physiology

Background:

• The micturition reflex is crucial for bladder function.
• Underactive bladder (UAB) presents challenges in bladder emptying.
• Neuromodulation offers potential therapeutic strategies for UAB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of saphenous nerve stimulation (SNS) on bladder responses.
• To explore SNS as a potential treatment for suppressed micturition reflexes.
• To evaluate SNS's efficacy in normalizing bladder function during post-tibial nerve stimulation inhibition.

Main Methods:

• Experiments conducted on α-chloralose-anesthetized cats.
• Bladder pressure and responses recorded via urethral catheter during saline infusion.
• Saphenous nerve stimulation (SNS) and tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) applied at varying frequencies and intensities.

Main Results:

• SNS (1 Hz) induced large bladder contractions and increased micturition contraction duration.
• Tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) resulted in prolonged inhibition, increasing bladder capacity and decreasing contraction amplitude.
• SNS effectively restored bladder capacity and contraction amplitude during post-TNS inhibition, also increasing micturition duration.

Conclusions:

• SNS at 1 Hz can facilitate and normalize the micturition reflex.
• SNS demonstrates potential as a novel neuromodulation therapy for underactive bladder.
• This research opens avenues for developing new treatments for bladder dysfunction.