Effect of lidocaine on ureteral motility and fluid transport in vitro

We used a whole canine ureter, under constant inflow hydrostatic pressure, in a tissue bath, to investigate the effect of lidocaine on flow and contractility in the ureter, simultaneously. Lidocaine caused increased contractility and reduction of flow in 9 ureters tested. In 5/9 ureters exposed to lidocaine in concentration of 50 to 500 micrograms/mL in the bath, the contraction became continuous and the flow ceased. This could be reversed by irrigating the bath with fresh solution. We conclude that lidocaine causes increased contractility and reduction of flow in canine ureters in vitro.