Nociceptin protects capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibers in the rat urinary bladder from desensitization

Chemical stimulation of primary afferent nerves in the rat urinary bladder in vivo with topical capsaicin (1 microg in 50 microl saline) determines a dual motor response, consisting of a contractile effect mediated by tachykinins released from sensory nerves in the bladder wall and a transient activation of a bladder-to-bladder micturition reflex organized at the supraspinal level (chemoceptive micturition reflex). Both responses undergo complete desensitization upon repeated applications of capsaicin. The i.v. administration of the novel neuropeptide nociceptin (100 nmol/kg) produced a long-lasting protection from capsaicin desensitization of afferent nerves which mediate the chemoceptive micturition reflex. In fact a chemoceptive micturition reflex could be repeatedly evoked by topical capsaicin in nociceptin-pretreated rats. In sharp contrast, nociceptin did not influence the development of desensitization of the local response to capsaicin, corresponding to the 'efferent' function of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons. These results suggest that the afferent and 'efferent' function of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent neurons (CSPANs) in the rat bladder are differentiated by nociceptin. Alternative mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are discussed.     

Effects of resiniferatoxin desensitization of capsaicin-sensitive afferents on detrusor over-activity induced by intravesical capsaicin,acetic acid or ATP in conscious rats

Recent studies have provided evidence for a major role of urothelially released ATP acting on a subpopulation of pelvic afferent nerves in mechano-afferent transduction in the bladder. We investigated whether desensitization of capsaicin-sensitive nerve fibres by systemic resiniferatoxin (RTX)-pretreatment can counteract the detrusor over-activity induced by intravesical capsaicin, acetic acid or ATP. Cystometric investigations were performed on awake female Sprague-Dawley rats before and 24 h after injection of RTX (0.3 mg/kg s.c.) or vehicle. The effects of intravesically instilled ATP (0.1 or 1.0 mM), capsaicin (30 microM) or acetic acid (pH 4.0) were compared with those of intravesical saline. RTX, but not its vehicle, significantly increased threshold pressure, voiding interval, micturition volume and bladder capacity. In the vehicle-pretreated rats, intravesical instillation of capsaicin or acetic acid significantly decreased voiding interval, micturition volume, and bladder capacity. However, in the RTX-pretreated rats, neither capsaicin nor acetic acid affected any parameter. On the other hand, intravesical ATP (0.1 mM) significantly decreased voiding interval and micturition volume in both groups of animals. At 1.0 mM, ATP also increased basal pressure and decreased the pressure threshold for micturition in both groups. The present results support the view that increased extracellular ATP has a role in mechano-afferent transduction in the rat bladder and that ATP-induced facilitation of the micturition reflex is mediated, at least partly, by nerves other than capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves.     

Excitatory and inhibitory urinary bladder reflexes induced by stimulation of cervicovaginal capsaicin-sensitive sensory fibers in rats

We have investigated the effect of intravaginal application of capsaicin on micturition reflex in female rats. Urinary bladder contractility was measured by transurethral pressure recording at isovolumetric and subthreshold conditions in anaesthetized rats. The intravaginal application of capsaicin (15 mug/50 mul rat) induced reproducible bladder phasic contractions, without desensitization upon repeated applications, that were blocked by intravenous atropine (1 mg/kg) or hexamethonium (5 mg/kg) and prevented by removal of paracervical ganglia or systemic capsaicin pretreatment (125 mg/kg, s.c.). The inhibition of sympathetic transmission by guanethidine (30 mg/kg, s.c.) produced significant increase of the bladder reflex contractions activated by intravaginal capsaicin. Intravenous administration of the TRPV1 antagonist, capsazepine (3 mg/kg), significantly reduced the excitatory reflex response to capsaicin. Intravaginal administration of capsaicin (15 mug/50 mul), during distension-induced reflex bladder contractions, produced a transient block of reflexes, unaffected by guanethidine pretreatment. In conclusion, the stimulation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerve endings in the rat cervix-vagina induced a dual excitatory or inhibitory bladder response in anaesthetized female rats depending on the degree of bladder distension.     

The contribution of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves to xylene-induced visceral pain in conscious,freely moving rats

1. Intravesical instillation of xylene (10-100%, dissolved in silicone oil) through a catheter implanted into the bladder of conscious, freely-moving rats produced behavioural effects (licking of lower abdomen or perineal region) suggestive of intense visceral pain, not mimicked by topical application of the irritant on the urethral outlet. 2. The xylene-induced visceral pain was prevented, to the same extent, by systemic desensitization to capsaicin (50 mg/kg s.c.) performed in either adult or newborn rats, as well as by extrinsic bladder denervation (pelvic ganglionectomy), thus indicating the involvement of primary afferents in the bladder wall. 3. Other behavioural responses induced by xylene instillation into the bladder (hind limb hyperextension, grooming) were not affected by systemic capsaicin desensitization in either adult or newborn rats, but were abolished by bladder denervation. 4. Systemic capsaicin desensitization produced an almost complete depletion of substance P-, neurokinin A-like and calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity in the rat urinary bladder. 5. These findings indicate that, in addition to their role in activating reflex micturition, the neuropeptides-containing capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves of the rat bladder are involved in chemogenic visceral pain.     

Motor and inflammatory effect of hyperosmolar solutions on the rat urinary bladder in relation to capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves

1. Intravesical administration of hyperosmolar NaCl or urea solutions produced a concentration-dependent stimulatory action on the micturition reflex in urethane-anesthetized rats. This effect was not modified in rats pretreated with capsaicin as adults (50 mg/kg s.c. 4 days before). 2. Hyperosmolar NaCl also produced Evans blue leakage (plasma extravasation) in the rat bladder. This effect was greatly reduced by extrinsic bladder denervation and in rats desensitized to capsaicin as newborns but not as adults. 3. Cumulative addition of NaCl produced a concentration-dependent increase in tone and biphasic effects on neurogenic contractions of the rat isolated bladder. These effects were not modified by in vitro capsaicin desensitization. 4. These findings do not support the idea that true osmoreceptors are present in the rat urinary bladder. The neurogenic component of the inflammatory response to hyperosmolar NaCl could involve activation of a subpopulation of bladder sensory fibers susceptible to the neurotoxic action of capsaicin in the early postnatal period only.     

Mechanism of action by which aspirin alleviates detrusor hyperactivity in rats

We examined the effect of aspirin on urodynamic parameters in normal and cyclophosphamide-induced cystitic rats and compared them in rats with or without sensory denervation. Cystometry was performed under urethane anesthesia; and volume threshold for micturition (VT), micturition frequency (MF), micturition pressure (MP), and micturition volume (MV) were determined. Cystitis was induced by pretreatment with cyclophosphamide and sensory denervation was performed by pretreating animals with a large dose of capsaicin. PGE(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) contents in the bladder were determined by ELISA. Sensory intact, cystitic rats showed decrement of VT and increment of MF. Aspirin increased VT and decreased MF in the cystitic condition. Both PGE(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) contents in the bladder were significantly increased in cystitic rats, but such increases were completely inhibited by aspirin. In sensory denervated rats, aspirin showed a marginal tendency of increment of VT. Cystitic rats showed overflow micturition in the sensory denervated condition, but VT was the same as that of normal rats. Furthermore, following capsaicin pretreatment, aspirin had no effect on the cystometrogram in cystitic rats. From these findings, it is concluded that suppression of sensory C-fiber via inhibition of PGs synthesis in the bladder is involved in the pharmacological action of aspirin in the detrusor hyperactivity.     

The effects of topical capsaicin on rat urinary bladder motility in vivo

The effects of topical capsaicin on urinary bladder motility were investigated following saline-induced distension of the bladder wall in urethane-anaesthetized rats and compared to the effects of topical substance P and acetylcholine. Capsaicin and substance P produced similar excitatory effects in both quiescent and rhythmically contracting bladders, i.e., a TTX resistant tonic contraction followed by a series of rhythmic, TTX sensitive, phasic contractions. Acetylcholine, in doses equieffective in producing TTX resistant contractions was less effective than capsaicin or substance P in triggering neurogenic rhythmic contractions of bladder muscle. Atropine pretreatment prevented the neurogenic component of the excitatory effect of both capsaicin and substance P. Repeated applications of capsaicin but not of substance P led to desensitization. Bladders of animals pretreated (4 days before) with a large dose of s.c. capsaicin developed insensitivity to topical capsaicin and a larger volume of saline was required to trigger neurogenic rhythmic contractions of the detrusor muscle. These results suggest that capsaicin acts by interfering with the mechanism(s) regulating the threshold for the micturition reflex to occur.     

The role of the capsaicin-sensitive innervation of the rat urinary bladder in the activation of micturition reflex

Capsaicin applied on the serosal surface of the urinary bladder in urethane-anaesthetized rats produces two distinct types of motor effects: a tetrodotoxin-, hexamethonium- and lidocaine-insensitive 'tonic' contraction and a series of tetrodotoxin-, hexamethonium- and lidocaine-sensitive rhythmic contractions. Both 'tonic' and rhythmic contractions are abolished by bladder denervation indicating their neurogenic origin. The rhythmic but not the 'tonic' component of the contractile effect of capsaicin is abolished by spinal cord transection indicating activation of a supraspinal micturition reflex. The motor effects of topical capsaicin are unaffected by pretreatment with indomethacin or diphenhydramine plus cimetidine. Pretreatment with a large dose of subcutaneous (SC) capsaicin increases both volume and pressure threshold for micturition while amplitude of micturition contraction is unaffected. Moreover the spinal somatovesical reflex elicited by pinching of the perineal skin is unaffected by capsaicin-desensitization. The intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of capsaicin reproduces the effects of SC capsaicin on the bladder response to saline filling. Rats pretreated with ICV capsaicin are as sensitive as controls in reacting to noxious heat (hot plate test) while the wiping response to instillation of capsaicin into one eye was abolished. These findings provide functional evidence for the presence in the rat urinary bladder of a capsaicin-sensitive innervation which subserves a sensory function in relaying volume/pressure information from detrusor muscle to central nervous system. Information carried through these capsaicin-sensitive fibers appears to be relevant for initiation of a supraspinal vesico-vesical micturition reflex. Functional evidence indicates that these fibers may terminate at supraspinal level.     

Effect of ruthenium red on responses mediated by activation of capsaicin-sensitive nerves of the rat urinary bladder

Summary (1) Topical administration of Ruthenium Red (10–100 M in saline) to the serosal surface of the urinary bladder in urethane-anesthetized rats prevented the motor response of the urinary bladder to topical administration of capsaicin and protected the sensory fibers from capsaicin desensitization, but had no effect on the volume-evoked contractions (micturition reflex). At 1 mM increased bladder capacity and decreased amplitude of micturition contraction were observed. (2) At 100 M, topical Ruthenium Red prevented the blood pressure rise produced by topical administration of capsaicin onto the bladder but did not affect the blood pressure rise produced by sudden bladder distension in spinal rats. (3) After intrathecal administration, Ruthenium Red (80–800 ng/rat) produced a long lasting inhibition of the micturition reflex in urethane-anesthetized rats, this effect being evident in both vehicleor capsaicin- (50 mg/kg s. c. 4 days before) pretreated rats. At 800 ng/rat, intrathecal Ruthenium Red did not affect the blood pressure rise produced by topical administration of capsaicin onto the rat bladder nor that produced by bladder distension. (4) These findings provide further evidence that Ruthenium Red acts quite selectively as a capsaicin antagonist preventing both reflex and efferent responses activated by peripherally administered capsaicin. By contrast, sensory impulse generation by a natural stimulus such as bladder distension is apparently unaffected by Ruthenium Red. The marked inhibition of the micturition reflex observed after intrathecal administration of Ruthenium Red does probably not involve an interaction with primary afferents in the spinal cord.     

Vesico-inhibitory responses and capsaicin-sensitive afferents in rats

Summary (1) The effect of perineal pinching and distension of a balloon inserted into the colon on motility of the urinary bladder has been investigated in adult urethane-anesthetized rats pretreated with capsaicin (50 mg/kg s.c.) or its vehicle 4 days before the experiments. (2) At bladder volumes which were sufficient to elicit reflex micturition, perineal pinching or colonic distension transiently inhibited the ongoing bladder voiding contraction. The somato-vesical inhibitory response was markedly reduced or even abolished by division of pudendal nerves. Neither the somato-vesical nor the colovesical inhibitory response were modified by desensitization with systemically administered capsaicin. (3) Intraurethral administration of capsaicin produced a transient inhibition of the reflexly-activated bladder contractions. A second administration of the drug was less effective, indicating desensitization. Intravenously administered capsaicin had a similar inhibitory effect on bladder motility. (4) The vesico-inhibitory response produced by intraurethral administration of capsaicin was not affected by phentolamine, propranolol, guanethidine, picrotoxin or naloxone, while it was greatly reduced or even abolished by bilateral section of the pudendal nerves. (5) These findings provide evidence that capsaicin-sensitive chemoreceptors in the rat urethra are involved in generating a vesico-inhibitory response via pudendal nerves. On the other hand, no evidence was found for the participation of capsaicin-sensitive nerves in the generation of the somato- or colo-vesical inhibitory response. Send offprint requests to C. A. Maggi at the above address     

The effect of MK-801 on the micturition reflex in anesthetized rats

We studied the effect of MK-801, a potent non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, on the micturition reflex in anesthetized rats. Pretreatment with MK-801 (0.1-1 mg/kg i.v.) dose dependently increased the bladder capacity and reduced the micturition contraction. The ability of MK-801 to inhibit bladder voiding was confirmed in additional experiments in which the compound (30-50 micrograms/kg i.v.) transiently suppressed established bladder voiding produced by continuous bladder filling. MK-801 (1 microM) did not affect nerve-mediated contractions of the rat bladder or inhibit the response to capsaicin. These findings provide pharmacological evidence for an involvement of NMDA receptors in the micturition reflex pathways.     

Capsaicin-sensitive afferents in the rat urinary bladder activate a spinal sympathetic cardiovascular reflex

Summary In urethane-anesthetized rats with an intact spinal cord, application of capsaicin on the outer surface of the urinary bladder produced a transient bradycardia, hypotension and negative cardiac inotropism which were neither prevented by i. v. atropine (0.5 mg/kg) nor by cervical vagotomy. In acute spinal rats (C2-C3) application of capsaicin (0.2 and 2 pg in 25 pl) on the urinary bladder induced a transient hypertension, tachycardia and positive cardiac inotropism. A second application (30 min later) induced minor cardiovascular effects, expecially with the higher dose, indicating desensitization. All cardiovascular responses to topical capsaicin were abolished by systemic capsaicin desensitization (50 mg/kg s. c., 4 days before). The excitatory cardiovascular response to capsaicin in acute spinal rats was markedly reduced by bilateral section of pelvic but not hypogastric nerves. Further, it was abolished by pretreatment with hexamethonium (20 mg/kg i.v.) or reserpine (5 mg/kg i. p., 2 days before) and reduced, at various extent for the different components, by phentolamine (0.5 mg/kg i. v.) or propranolol (1 mg/kg). In rats with pelvic and hypogastric nerves intact, section of the cord at a level (T12-L1), just above the medullary segments which receive primary afferent input from the bladder (L6-S1), abolished the excitatory cardiovascular response to application of capsaicin on the bladder. In spinal rats (C2-C3) rapid distension of the urinary bladder with saline produced transient tachycardia, hypertension and positive cardiac inotropism similar to that evoked by capsaicin. These responses were not observed in rats systemically pretreated with capsaicin. These findings indicate that certain bladder afferents which are susceptible to capsaicin desensitization in adult rats activate a spinal reflex having excitatory influence on cardiovascular function. This response is apparently mediated by spinal centers located above the site of entry of bladder pelvic afferents into the cord and most likely involves excitation of preganglionic sympathetic neurons in the spinal cord.Send offprint requests to S. Giuliani at the above address     

Further studies on the mechanisms of the tachykinin-induced activation of micturition reflex in rats: evidence for the involvement of the capsaicin-sensitive bladder mechanoreceptors

The relative ability of substance P, neurokinin A, neurokinin B and kassinin to activate the micturition reflex was investigated in urethane-anaesthetized rats. When administered topically neurokinin A, neurokinin B and kassinin were 14, 36 and 280 times, respectively, more potent than substance P to activate micturition. On the other hand substance P, neurokinin A and kassinin were practically equipotent (and neurokinin B was about 3-4 times less potent than substance P) to stimulate the contraction of the rat isolated bladder and to potentiate the contractions induced by electrical field stimulation. This indicates that neither a direct action on muscle cells nor a potentiating effect on efferent neurotransmission can account for the rank order of potency of tachykinins for activation of the micturition reflex. The ability of topical tachykinins to activate the micturition reflex was largely impaired in 2 months old rats pretreated with capsaicin (50 mg/kg s.c.) on their second day of life, indicating that integrity of the capsaicin-sensitive bladder mechanoreceptors is essential for the production of this effect. These findings indicate that an NK-B receptor, possibly located on sensory nerves in the bladder wall, participates in the tachykinin-induced activation of reflex micturition.     

Species-related variations in the effects of capsaicin on urinary bladder functions: relation to bladder content of substance P-like immunoreactivity

Summary 1. The effect of capsaicin on bladder motility in vivo (urethane anaesthesia) and in vitro, plasma extravasation (Evans blue leakage technique) and content of substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) of the urinary bladder was investigated in various mammalian species. 2. Systemic capsaicin desensitization (rat and hamster, 50 mg/kg s.c. 4 days before; guinea-pig 55 mg/kg s. c. 4–7 days before) increased bladder capacity in rats and guinea-pigs and reduced voiding efficiency in guinea-pigs. All other urodynamic parameters were unaffected in both rats, guinea-pigs and hamsters. 3. Reflex bladder voiding was abolished by spinal cord transection in anaesthetized rats and hamsters. On the other hand, hexamethonium-(20 mg/kg i.v.)sensitive voiding contractions were obtained in response to saline filling 45 min from cord transection in guinea-pigs, indicating a profound interspecies variation in the basic organization of micturition. 4. Exposure to capsaicin (1 M) produced a contraction of the isolated bladder from rats, guinea-pigs (dome) and mice. Capsaicin produced only a slight contractile response in the guinea-pig bladder base. The motor response to capsaicin of the rat, guinea-pig and mouse bladder exhibited marked desensitization, suggesting a specific effect on sensory nerves. On the other hand, capsaicin (1 M) produced a slight relaxation of the hamster isolated bladder but this effect was reproducible at 1–2 h intervals, suggesting an unspecific effect. Capsaicin (1–10 M) did not affect motility of strips from the dome or the base of the rabbit bladder. 5. Intravenously administered capsaicin produced a marked plasma extravasation (Evans blue leakage) in the lower urinary tract of rats, mice and guinea pigs. In rats but not guinea-pigs the reaction in the bladder base was greater than in the dome. In hamsters intravenous capsaicin failed to induce any significant Evans blue leakage in the lower urinary tract. 6. SP-LI was detected in the lower urinary tract of rats, guinea-pigs, rabbits and mice but not hamsters. Bladder SP-LI was depleted by systemic capsaicin desensitization in rats, guinea-pigs and mice. Reverse phase HPLC indicated that all the immunoreactive material co-eluted with authentic substance P or its oxidized form. 7. These findings indicate that noticeable species-related differences exist with regard to the functions mediated by the Capsaicin-sensitive neurons in the urinary bladder. Send offprint requests to C. A. Maggi     

Suppression of the rat micturition reflex by imipramine

1 This study investigates possible mechanisms through which imipramine (IMI) exerts its antienuretic effect. The micturition reflex in response to bladder distension produced by saline infusion was examined in anaesthetized rats. 2 The amplitude and frequency of micturition reflex contractions were reduced by peripheral administration of IMI, but the micturition reflex was abolished after its intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration. A muscarinic antagonist, atropine, displayed an inhibitory effect similar to that of IMI. A muscarinic agonist, carbachol, produced a dose-related rightward shift of the dose–response curve to IMI. Both IMI i.c.v. and the muscarinic antagonist l-methylscopolamine i.c.v. elevated the threshold of volume and pressure for micturition initiation, indicating that IMI and muscarinic antagonists mainly exert a central inhibitory effect on the micturition reflex. 3 In addition, to evaluate the role of central monoaminergic neurotransmission on micturition, the acetylcholine depletor hemicholinium-3 (HC-3), the catecholamines depletor α-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT), and the serotonin depletor p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) were examined alone or in combination with IMI. The micturition threshold was increased by treatment with HC-3, but not by AMPT or PCPA. In HC-3 treated rats, the inhibitory effect of IMI on the micturition reflex was more prolonged than in normal rats. After administration of IMI, the recovery from the cessation of micturition reflex contractions was facilitated by carbachol in normal rats, but not in HC-3 treated rats. This indicates that acetylcholine plays a facilitatory role in initiating micturition reflex contractions. 4 Acute treatment with IMI decreased the frequency and increased the volume threshold of micturition reflex contraction. Acute and chronic treatment with IMI prolonged the cessation period of micturition by IMI. 5 These results suggest that IMI exerts an inhibitory action on the micturition reflex by a central cholinergic mechanism. Muscarinic receptors located at the supraspinal level are tonically stimulated during distension-induced micturition reflex.     

Pharmacological analysis of the local and reflex responses to bradykinin on rat urinary bladder motility in vivo.

1. The topical application of bradykinin (BK) (0.05-5000 pmol/rat) onto the serosal surface of the urinary bladder in urethane-anaesthetized rats, evoked low amplitude tonic contractions (not exceeding 25 mmHg) or high amplitude (about 50 mmHg), phasic reflex contractions (chemoceptive micturition reflex) which were abolished by bilateral ablation of the pelvic ganglia. In ganglionectomized rats, BK induced only a local, tonic-type contraction. 2. Systemic capsaicin pretreatment (164 mumol kg-1, 4 days before) reduced the incidence of chemoceptive reflex induced by BK (500 pmol/rat) but had no effect on the magnitude of the tonic-type contraction elicited by BK in ganglionectomized rats. Indomethacin (11 mumol kg-1, 20 min before) reduced the incidence but not the amplitude of the reflex contractions induced by topical application of BK (500 pmol/rat). In ganglionectomized rats, indomethacin (11 mumol kg-1, 20 min before) decreased the amplitude of the tonic contraction evoked by BK. Indomethacin did not affect the chemoceptive reflex induced by topical application of capsaicin (15 nmol/rat) onto the bladder. 3. Intrathecal administration of the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists, RP 67,580 (10 nmol/rat) or SR 140,333 (10 nmol/rat), abolished the chemoceptive reflex induced by BK without modifying the magnitude of the tonic contraction. SR 140,333 (10 nmol/rat) also abolished the occurrence of the chemoceptive reflex induced by capsaicin. 4. Intravenous administration of the B2 receptor antagonist, Hoe 140 (35 nmol kg-1, 10 min before) abolished the reflex and local effects induced by BK on bladder motility but failed to modify the chemoceptive reflex induced by topical application of capsaicin (15 nmol/rat).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Visceromotor responses to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the rat lower urinary tract: evidence for a transmitter role in the capsaicin-sensitive nerves of the ureter

Either intra-arterial or topical administration of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) had little effect on motility of the urinary bladder in urethane-anaesthetized rats. Only a high concentration (50 microM) of topical CGRP activated the micturition reflex and potentiated the response to exogenous substance P (SP). In the isolated rat bladder CGRP had inconsistent effects on spontaneous or field-stimulated contractions. CGRP neither produced any significant plasma extravasation (Evans blue leakage) in the rat lower urinary tract, nor potentiated the response to exogenous SP. CGRP inhibited motility in the rat isolated proximal urethra and ureters and counteracted the contractile response to neurokinins. An inhibitory effect of capsaicin on stimulated motility of the urethra was observed in all preparations and a small contractile response was evident in about 40% of cases. Lack of desensitization to the action of CGRP prevented the study of its interaction with capsaicin. The inhibitory effect of CGRP in the ureter exhibited a specific desensitization: if the preparations were pre-exposed to exogenous CGRP, the inhibition of motility produced by antidromic activation of the capsaicin-sensitive nerve terminals (field stimulation) as well as the response to capsaicin (1 microM) was prevented but the inhibitory response to isoprenaline was unaffected. These findings indicate that CGRP is able to influence markedly the motility of the rat lower urinary tract, but exhibits marked regional differences in its action. Endogenous CGRP could be the inhibitory transmitter which, when released from capsaicin-sensitive fibers, participate in the control of ureteral motility.     

Stimulation of bladder activity by volume, L-dopa and capsaicin in normal conscious rats - effects of spinal α1-adrenoceptor blockade

To study possible differences in α₁-adrenoceptor involvement in the spinal mechanisms mediating bladder activity induced by volume (bladder filling), central (L-dopa), and peripheral (capsaicin) stimulation, we investigated if these types of bladder activity were modified by intrathecal (i.t.) or intra-arterial (i.a.) administration of the α₁-adrenoceptor antagonist, indoramin. Indoramin is selective for the α_1A-adrenoceptor subtype, whereas most clinically used α₁-adrenoceptor antagonists, including doxazosin, have no subtype selectivity. The drug effects were studied by continuous cystometry in normal, conscious rats and rats with bladder activity evoked by intraperitoneal L-dopa (50 mg/kg after carbidopa pretreatment), or by intravesical capsaicin (30 μM). I.t. indoramin (50 nmol) significantly decreased micturition pressure, and increased bladder capacity and micturition volume. Dribbling incontinence due to urinary retention was observed in one of ten rats. L-dopa-stimulated bladder overactivity was significantly attenuated by i.t. or i.a. indoramin (50 nmol). Similar effects of i.t. and i.a. doxazosin (50 nmol) have been reported previously. Intravesical capsaicin (30 μM) caused bladder activity, which was attenuated by i.t. indoramin (50 nmol), but not by i.t. doxazosin (50 nmol). I.a. indoramin did not reduce capsaicin-induced bladder activity; doxazosin was moderately effective. The results suggest that the bulbospinal micturition reflex evoked by bladder filling and L-dopa involves a descending pathway where transmission is partly mediated by spinal α₁-adrenoceptors. Bladder overactivity evoked by intravesical capsaicin, which elicits a vesico-spinal-vesical reflex, was not affected by i.t. doxazosin in a dose that attenuates activity mediated through the bulbo-spinal pathway. This suggests less involvement of spinal α₁-adrenoceptors in the vesico-spinal-vesical than in the bulbo-spinal voiding reflex. Received: 29 November 1996 / Accepted: 3 March 1997     

Effects of TAK-637, a tachykinin receptor antagonist, on the micturition reflex in guinea pigs

The effects of a new tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist, (aR, 9R)-7-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-8,9,10, 11-tetrahydro-9-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7H-[1,4]diazocino[2,1-g] [1, 7]naphthyridine-6,13-dione (TAK-637), on the micturition reflex were compared with those of drugs used for abnormally frequent micturition or incontinence. TAK-637 showed a characteristic effect on the distension-induced rhythmic bladder contractions in guinea pigs. The systemic administration of TAK-637 decreased the number but not the amplitude of the distension-induced rhythmic bladder contractions. A similar effect was observed in animals in which the spinal cord had been severed. TAK-637 also inhibited the micturition reflex induced by topical application of capsaicin onto the surface of bladder dome. From these results, it is concluded that TAK-637 inhibits sensory transmissions from the bladder evoked by both physiological and nociceptive stimuli by blocking tachykinin NK(1) receptors, possibly at the level of the spinal cord. On the other hand, the other drugs such as oxybutynin, tolterodine, propiverine, and inaperisone showed no effects on the frequency of the distension-induced rhythmic bladder contractions but decreased the contraction amplitude. Therefore, TAK-637 may represent a new class of drugs, which would be effective for abnormally frequent micturition without causing voiding difficulties due to decreased voiding pressure.     

The effect of calcium free medium and nifedipine on the release of substance P-like immunoreactivity and contractions induced by capsaicin in the isolated guinea-pig and rat bladder

1. Capsaicin produced a prompt release of substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) from superfused mucosa-free muscle strips excised from the guinea-pig urinary bladder. A second application of capsaicin had no further effect, indicating desensitization. 2. Neither tetrodotoxin (1 microM) or nifedipine (10 microM) had any inhibitory effect on SP-LI release by capsaicin nor influenced the establishment of the desensitized state. Nifedipine produced per se some SP-LI release. 3. SP-LI release by capsaicin was abolished by incubation in a Calcium(Ca)-free medium containing EDTA (1.0 mM) which also afforded a partial protection toward desensitization. A lower EDTA concentration (0.1 mM) did not suppress SP-LI release by capsaicin but still inhibited desensitization. 4. When the concentration of CaCl2 in the medium was lowered to 1/10-1/100 of that present in normal Krebs solution, capsaicin still evoked a marked SP-LI release and desensitization occurred. In a nominally Ca free medium (maximal Ca concentration due to impurities was 6.7 microM) SP-LI release was still observed and desensitization was incomplete. 5. In a nominally Ca free medium, removal of Mg ions enhanced the SP-LI release induced by capsaicin and enhanced desensitization. 6. In functional studies, nifedipine greatly reduced or abolished the capsaicin- or SP-induced contraction of the rat or guinea-pig isolated bladder but did not prevent desensitization. Likewise, SP-LI depletion in the rat bladder following systemic capsaicin desensitization was not prevented by nifedipine pretreatment. On the other hand, the protective action of Ca free media (containing EDTA) was confirmed in organ bath studies (guinea-pig bladder). 7. These findings indicate that: (a) the requirements of extracellular calcium for activation of neuropeptide release from sensory nerves by capsaicin are very low; (b) both excitation of sensory fibers (SP-LI release) and desensitization are dependent upon the presence of extracellular calcium and (c) L-type voltage-sensitive Ca channels are not likely to be involved in the actions of capsaicin on sensory nerve terminals.