EXTERNAL URETHRAL SPHINCTER (EUS) ELECTROMYOGRAPHY

A MODEL FOR THE STUDY OF URINARY BLADDER AND URETHRAL SPHINCTER COORDINATION

Cystometry and EUS electromyography (EMG) recording in normal and acetic acid-treated animals.

In this model EUS activity and intravesical pressure can be recorded simultaneously under normal and pathological conditions.

Guinea-pig

• This model is suitable for testing compounds for effects on the external urethral sphincter, urinary bladder and coordination between the two under both normal conditions and conditions of hyperactivity and dyssinergie.
• Compounds that show a positive response in this model include molecules having an effect on the CNS like dual serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors as well as compounds that affect smooth muscle such as K_ATP channel openers and β-adrenoceptor agonists.

• EMG and cystometric recordings during continuous intravesical infusion of saline or dilute acetic acid.
• Test compounds can be administered via various routes (i.v., i.p., p.o., s.c. or by osmotic pumps) and parameters evaluated for up to two hours post-administration.

• Urethral EMG activity during filling and voiding phase
• Bladder capacity
• Intercontraction intervals during continuous cystometry
• Micturition pressure
• Amplitude of micturition
• Basal intravesical pressure
• Threshold pressure for micturition

• Walters RD et al, Neurourol Urodyn 25 (1): 62-9, 2006

• Thor KB et al, J Pharmacol Exp Ther 274 (2):1014-24, 1995