The effect of cromakalim on the normal and hyper-reflexic human detrusor muscle.

Cromakalim is a benzopyran derivative which relaxes smooth muscle, probably by opening membrane potassium channels. This study tested the effect of cromakalim on spontaneous, electrically induced and pharmacologically induced contractile activity of normal and hyper-reflexic human detrusor muscle samples. All 3 types of contractile activity were reduced in the presence of cromakalim. A preliminary clinical trial of cromakalim was conducted, the results of which also suggest that this type of drug may have a significant role in the treatment of detrusor instability and hyper-reflexia.