Is beta-receptor blockade of value in continence training of children?

The relaxation of the outlet region of the bladder is subserved by beta-adrenergic receptors. It is conceivable, therefore, that inhibition of beta-adrenergic function should be of value as part of a continence training program in patients with neurogenic bladders. This hypothesis was tested in a series of thirteen children with spinal lesions. A double-blind, cross-over study of alprenolol versus placebo was performed during conventional continence training. The number of "dry periods", however did not differ during the alprenolol and placebo periods. One reason for the lack of clinical effect may be that the drug simultaneously blocked the beta receptors in the corpusfundus of the bladder, thereby decreasing the volume capacity.