Intravesical electrical stimulation induces a prolonged decrease in micturition threshold volume in the rat

Purpose: Intravesical electrical stimulation (IVES) has been used clinically to treat patients with voiding disorders. The aim of the present experimental study was to obtain objective evidence of a modulation of the micturition reflex by intravesical electrical stimulation (IVES). Materials and Methods: Forty-one female rats, anesthetized by alpha-chloralose were used for the experiments. Intravesical electrical stimulation was given by a catheter electrode in the bladder (5 minutes of continuous stimulation at 20 Hz, 7 to 11 mA). The effect was evaluated by the change in cystometric micturition threshold volume. Results: The threshold volume of the micturition reflex decreased significantly to 82% of controls after IVES (p <0.001; n = 31). The effect was reversible and lasted for about 1 hour. The decrease was prevented by a transient blockade of the bladder nerves during IVES. Conclusions: Intravesical electrical stimulation induced a prolonged modulation of the micturition reflex in anesthetized rats. The effect was due to activation of bladder mechanoreceptor afferents and remained long after the period of stimulation. It is proposed that the modulation was due to a prolonged enhancement of excitatory synaptic transmission in the central micturition reflex pathway. Such a modulation may underlie the curative effect of IVES in certain voiding disorders.