Clinical import of beta-adrenergic activity in the proximal urethra

Beta-adrenergic activity of the proximal urethra was studied in 11 patients. Maximum urethral pressure was recorded before, and 20 and 60 minutes after the intravenous administration of 0.5 mg. orciprenaline sulfate. There was a 40 per cent or more decrease in the maximum urethral pressure in 6 of the 11 patients. Beta-adrenoreceptor agonists could prove useful in facilitating vesical emptying by reducing urethral resistance in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.