Effects of prostaglandins on the isolated human bladder and urethra

The effects of prostaglandins F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), E1 (PGE1) and E2 (PGE2) on the human lower urinary tract were studied in vitro in preparations obtained from patients undergoing total cystourethrectomy because of bladder malignancy. Tissue specimens were taken from different parts of the urethra, the urethrovesical junction, and the bladder. From these specimens, smooth muscle preparations were dissected and mounted in organ baths, that were filled with Krebs solution (37 degrees C) and bubbled with carbogen. Isometric tension was recorded. Preparations from the bladder and all parts of the urethra were contracted by PGF2 alpha. This effect was not affected by tetrodotoxin, phenoxybenzamine, or atropine; isoprenaline relaxed the PGF2 alpha induced contractions. PGE1 and PGE1 both contracted strips from the bladder. However, urethral preparations contracted by PGF2 alpha or noradrenaline were relaxed by these agents. This relaxing effect was at least as pronounced as that produced by isoprenaline; it was not affected by propranolol.