Effect of β3-adrenoceptor agonist on the micromotion of bilateral major pelvic ganglion-excised rat bladder

Aims Micromotion is an autonomous intramural movement of the bladder, and is believed to be an initial step in the generation of urinary urgency. Therefore, controlling micromotion may be a novel target in overactive bladder (OAB) treatment. However, developing micromotion treatment has been limited by the absence of a standardized animal model. We attempted to create a micromotion animal model and investigated the effectiveness of a beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist (CL316,243) on micromotion.Methods Bilateral major pelvic ganglia (MPGs) were excised in 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats, resulting in an almost completely denervated bladder. On postoperative Day 7, cystometry was performed. Rats were divided into three treatment groups: CL316,243; beta(3-)adrenoceptor antagonist (SR59230A) pretreated CL316,243; and a nonselective antimuscarinic agent (oxybutynin). Changes in micromotion were evaluated after the intra-arterial administration of each agent.Results Low-amplitude oscillations in intravesical pressure (micromotion) were observed 1 week after MPGs excision. Micromotion frequency significantly (p = 0.003) decreased (2.17 & PLUSMN; 3.54 times/5 min) with CL316,243 compared with vehicle (6.33 & PLUSMN; 1.97 times/5 min). Micromotion amplitude also decreased with CL316,243 (1.15 & PLUSMN; 1.93 cmH(2)O) compared with vehicle (5.96 & PLUSMN; 5.12 cmH(2)O), approaching conventional significance (p = 0.090). No significant decreases in frequency or amplitude were observed with oxybutynin treatment.Conclusions Systemic administration of the beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist CL316,243 effectively controlled micromotion in bilateral MPGs-excised, almost completely denervated rat bladders. This result indicates that beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist may affect the bladder directly, suggesting that it might be effective for overall OAB, regardless of the presence or level of neurological deficits. Bilateral MPGs-excised rats are considered a plausible micromotion animal model suitable for future research.