OBJECTIVES: Because there is little information available about blood flow in the voiding cycle of the bladder, we performed a study in which we simultaneously monitored blood flow and intravesical pressure during the micturition cycle in a rat model.
METHODS: Approximately 300 g male Wistar rats were used in this study. Cystometric studies were performed according to our previous report, and simultaneously blood flow was monitored.
RESULTS: Before the micturition reflex occurred, a significant increase in bladder blood flow was observed, and this increased blood flow continued during the micturition reflex. Under the maximum contraction pressure, blood flow rapidly decreased (within 10% compared to the max level). This low level of blood flow continued for more than half a minute.
CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that the blood flow in the bladder was dynamically changed during voiding. This technique may represent a strong tool to investigate bladder function under drug administrations and/or pathophysiological conditions.