Overview of pharmacological mechanisms controlling micturition in the central nervous system

DOI Web Site Web Site PubMed 24 References
  • Yoshimura Naoki
    Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  • Kitta Takeya
    Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University
  • Kadekawa Katsumi
    Southern Knights' Laboratory
  • Miyazato Minoru
    Department of Systems Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus
  • Shimizu Takahiro
    Department of Pharmacology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 中枢神経系における排尿薬理機構の概説
  • チュウスウ シンケイケイ ニ オケル ハイニョウ ヤクリ キコウ ノ ガイセツ

Search this article

Abstract

<p>The functions of the lower urinary tract, to storage and periodically release urine, are dependent on the activity of smooth and striated muscles in the bladder, urethra and external urethral sphincter. This activity is in turn controlled by neural circuits not only in the periphery, but also in the central nervous system (CNS). During urine storage, the outlet is closed and the bladder smooth muscle is quiescent by the neural control mechanism mainly organized in the spinal cord. When bladder volume reaches the micturition threshold, activation of a micturition center in the dorsolateral pons (the pontine micturition center) induces micturition through activation of sacral parasympathetic (pelvic) nerves. The brain rostral to the pons (diencephalon and cerebral cortex) is also involved in excitatory and inhibitory regulation of the micturition reflex. Various transmitters including dopamine, serotonin, norepenephrine, GABA, excitatory and inhibitory amino acids, opioids and acetylcholine are implicated in the modulation of the micturition reflex in the CNS. Therefore, injury or neurodegenerative diseases of the CNS as well as drugs can produce bladder and urethral dysfunctions such as urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence or inefficient bladder emptying.</p>

Journal

References(24)*help

See more

Related Projects

See more

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top