Release of prostaglandins into the pelvic venous blood of dogs in response to vesical distension and pelvic nerve stimulation.

Prostaglandin release into the pelvic venous blood in response to vesical distension and pelvic nerve stimulation was studied in anesthetized female nonpregnant dogs. The change in the prostaglandin content of the plasma at sequential physiologic points in the voiding cycle and with pelvic nerve stimulation was measured using a radioimmunoassay technique. A significant liberation of PGE and PGF2 alpha was observed during maximal bladder distension and after micturition. The increased levels returned to near control levels when measured 5 min after bladder evacuation. After pelvic nerve stimulation, PGF2 alpha was also significantly released. The source, mechanism, and functional significance of prostaglandin release during bladder activity are discussed.