Role of opioid and β‐adrenergic receptors in bladder underactivity induced by prolonged pudendal nerve stimulation in cats

Abstract

Aims To determine the role of opioid and β‐adrenergic receptors in bladder underactivity induced by prolonged pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS). Methods In α‐chloralose anesthetized cats, 30‐min PNS was applied repeatedly for 3–9 times to induce poststimulation or persistent bladder underactivity. Then, naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg, IV) or propranolol (β‐adrenergic receptor antagonist, 3 mg/kg, IV) was given to reverse the bladder underactivity. After the drug treatment, an additional 30‐min PNS was applied to counteract the drug effect. Repeated cystometrograms were performed by slowly (1–2 mL/min) infusing the bladder with saline via a urethral catheter to determine the bladder underactivity and the treatment effects. Results Prolonged (2–4.5 h) PNS induced bladder underactivity evident as a large bladder capacity (169 ± 49% of control) and a reduced amplitude of bladder contraction (59 ± 17% of control). Naloxone fully reversed the bladder underactivity by reducing bladder capacity to 113 ± 58% and increasing the amplitude of bladder contraction to 104 ± 34%. After administration of naloxone an additional 30‐min PNS temporarily increased the bladder capacity to the underactive bladder level (193 ± 74%) without changing the amplitude of the bladder contraction. Propranolol had no effect on bladder underactivity. Conclusions A tonic enkephalinergic inhibitory mechanism in the CNS plays a critical role in the bladder underactivity induced by prolonged PNS, while the peripheral β‐adrenergic receptor mechanism in the detrusor is not involved. This study provides basic science evidence consistent with the clinical observation that comorbid opioid usage may contribute to voiding dysfunction in patients with Fowler's syndrome.