Does bladder tone influence sensation of filling and electro-sensation in the bladder? A blind controlled study in young healthy volunteers using bethanechol.
OBJECTIVE
The influence of bladder tone on filling sensation and electro-sensation in the bladder was studied in young healthy volunteers.


METHODS
A total of 22 healthy volunteers 18 to 30 years old were included in our study, of whom 15 received a subcutaneous injection of 5 mg bethanechol and 7 received a subcutaneous injection of water to serve as randomly selected controls. In each group filling perception was evaluated during medium fill cystometry before and 25 minutes after injection. The bladder electrical threshold was determined in each group by constant current stimulation before and 25 minutes after injection.


RESULTS
In the study group there was a marked decrease in the volume at which various filling sensations occurred after bethanechol was given. The pressure at which all filling sensations were perceived was higher after bethanechol than at baseline cystometry. The electrical threshold decreased with bethanechol. In the control group no change was noted in the perception of filling or electro-sensation.


CONCLUSIONS
Bethanechol has a distinct influence on the filling sensation and on electrical bladder stimulation. Each sensation is sharpened after the administration of bethanechol. Several hypotheses are possible to explain these effects.
De Wachter
S
S
Department of Urology, University Antwerpen, Edegem, Belgium.
Wyndaele
J J
JJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018723:Bethanechol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000187:drug effects*; D010277:Parasympathomimetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D014563:Urodynamics
D010277:Parasympathomimetics; D018723:Bethanechol