Cholinergic and adrenergic neuroreceptors in urinary tract of female dogs. Evaluation of function with pharmacodynamics.

Our preliminary pharmacodynamic studies on the lower urinary tract of adult female dogs indicate that cholinergic and adrenergic (alpha and beta) neuroreceptors in the urethra appear to coordinate the detrusor and urethral function during micturition. Urethral resistance measured as urethral pressure was easily altered with various pharmacologic agents. However, only bethanechol elicited detrusor response measured as intravesical pressure. The possible clinical usefulness of various drugs is outlined. Our results indicate the therapeutic value of ephedrine sulfate and propranolol in stress urinary incontinence; phenoxybenzamine in neurogenic vesical dysfunction and functional outlet obstruction; phenoxybenzamine plus bethanechol in atonic neurogenic bladder; and imipramine in enuresis.