Reflex interaction from the urinary bladder and the rectum on anal motility in the cat

The intrinsic recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) and the extrinsic vesico-anal excitatory reflex were studied in anaesthetized cats in order to explore the nervous components of anal pressure regulation. The magnitude of the RAIR was documented at varying levels of anal pressure. Minimal anal pressure during RAIR was positively correlated to anal pressure immediately prior to rectal distension. It was possible to elicit the vesico-anal excitatory reflex concomitantly with an ongoing RAIR. It was also possible to elicit a RAIR during the vesico-anal excitatory reflex. The magnitude of the pressor reflex response was not changed by concomitant activation of the inhibitory reflex and vice versa. This suggests an independent action on the internal anal sphincter (IAS) of the two reflexes. Spontaneous detrusor contractions were abolished by rectal distension. However, an escape phenomenon from this inhibition was observed, suggesting a spinal, associative, connection. The results support the concept of a direct action of both extrinsic and intrinsic nervous mechanisms on the smooth muscle of the IAS.