Parkinsonism and neurogenic bladder. Experimental and clinical observations.

In a group of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, beside neurogenic bladder dysfunction, we have also found dysfunction affecting the external sphincter musculature. Treatment with L-Dopa probably improves the urethral symptoms by providing a relaxing effect on the urethral closure pressur together with better coordination of the pelvic floor and external sphincter Mechanism during micturition. The effect was parallel to the improvement in Parkinsonion symptoms. Experimental studies demonstrate the ability of L-Dopa to reduce urethral closure pressure and this effect was related to a central effect on the skeletal musculature.