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Olfactory micturition reflex. Experimental study in dogs

¹Department of Surgery and Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.

Biological Signals

|November 1, 1994

Summary

Researchers discovered a new reflex in dogs linking smell and urination. This olfactory micturition reflex explains why dogs may urinate small amounts when smelling certain odors, even with a non-full bladder.

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Area of Science:

Veterinary Neuroscience
Urology
Olfactory System Physiology

Background:

The interplay between sensory input and autonomic functions like urination is complex.
Olfaction plays a significant role in canine behavior and physiology.
Understanding reflex pathways is crucial for diagnosing and treating urinary dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the potential reflex relationship between nasal mucosa stimulation and urethral sphincter activity in dogs.
To identify and characterize a novel reflex pathway involving olfaction and micturition.
To explore the physiological basis for scent-induced urination in canines.

Main Methods:

Electrostimulation of the nasal mucosa in 14 dogs.
Recording electromyographic (EMG) activity from the external (EUS) and internal (IUS) urethral sphincters.
Assessing reflex responses and latency following nasal stimulation, including with anesthetized mucosa.

Main Results:

Nasal mucosal electrostimulation significantly reduced EMG activity in the internal urethral sphincter (IUS).
No significant change in external urethral sphincter (EUS) activity was observed.
The IUS did not respond to stimulation of the anesthetized nasal mucosa, indicating a specific olfactory-neural pathway.
A consistent reflex, termed the 'olfactory micturition reflex', was identified with a mean latency of 49.2 ms.

Conclusions:

A distinct reflex arc exists between the nasal mucosa and the internal urethral sphincter in dogs.
The olfactory micturition reflex may trigger urination independently of bladder fullness.
This reflex provides a potential explanation for the characteristic urination patterns observed in dogs upon exposure to specific odors.

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