Dopaminergic mechanisms controlling urethral function in rats

Background: There is sufficient evidence that interference of dopaminergic neurotransmission contributes to the therapeutic effects of antidepressants in unipolar and bipolar depression. Methods: Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD 17) scores of 163 at least moderately ill patients with major depressive disorders were used to establish treatment response. HAMD 17 score status was measured before initiation, after two weeks, and after four weeks of treatment with various antidepressants. The possible association between response and genotype in a total of 14 variants of dopamine neurotransmission-related proteins was investigated. Results: DRD4 rs11246226 CA heterozygous patients were found with a greater improvement of HAMD 17 score when compared to homozygous C patients during 0–2 weeks and 0–4 weeks. Patients with MAOB rs1799836 heterozygous GA and homozygous A also demonstrated improved scores during 2–4 weeks and 0–4 weeks. Conclusions: The results are preliminary due to the limited population size and the small number of variants. Further research into the involvement of habenular dopamine D4 receptors in the antidepressant response is desirable.

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Regarding “control and co-ordination of bladder and urethral function in the brainstem of the cat”

Neurourology and Urodynamics ◽

10.1002/nau.1930090607 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 619-621

Author(s):

P. E. Holt ◽

C. Gibbs ◽

C. M. Wathes ◽

Derek Griffiths

Keyword(s):

Urethral Function

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Transurethral versus suprapubic catheterization to test urethral function in rats

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-93772-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kristine Janssen ◽

Kangli Deng ◽

Steve J. A. Majerus ◽

Dan Li Lin ◽

Brett Hanzlicek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Outlet Obstruction ◽

Bladder Pressure ◽

Sprague Dawley ◽

External Urethral Sphincter ◽

Emg Amplitude ◽

Suprapubic Catheterization ◽

Sphincter Electromyography ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Point Pressure ◽

Urethral Function

AbstractTransurethral and suprapubic catheterization have both been used to test urethral function in rats; however, it is unknown whether these methods affect urethral function or if the order of catheterization affects the results. The aim of this cross-over designed experiment was to compare the effects of catheterization methods and order on leak point pressure (LPP) testing. LPP and simultaneous external urethral sphincter electromyography (EUS EMG) were recorded in anesthetized female virgin Sprague-Dawley rats in a cross-over design to test the effects of transurethral and suprapubic catheterization. There was no significant difference in peak bladder pressure during LPP testing whether measured with a transurethral or suprapubic catheter. There was no significant difference in peak bladder pressure between the first and second catheter insertions. However, peak EMG firing rate, as well as peak EMG amplitude and EMG amplitude difference between peak and baseline were significantly higher after the first catheter insertion compared to the second insertion, regardless of the catheter method. Our results suggest that route of catheterization does not alter urethral function, e.g. create a functional partial outlet obstruction. Either catheterization method could be used for LPP and/or EUS EMG testing in rats.

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