Adrenergic Receptor Function in the Urinary Bladder: Observations in Five Children with Myelomeningocele

Abstract

The role of the adrenergic muscle receptors in the function of the urinary bladder was studied in 5 children with myelomeningocele. The outflow resistance was estimated from simultaneous registration of the intra-vesical pressure and of the urinary flow. The results indicate that the resistance to flow increases during stimulation of the alpha-adrenergic muscle receptors, and decreases during stimulation of the beta receptors. The sympatomimetic drugs are effective when applied locally on the mucous membrane.