Quantitative immunohistochemical study of the innervation of the guinea-pig lower urinary tract.
OBJECTIVE
To study the innervation of the different muscle systems of the guinea-pig lower urinary tract, using immunohistochemical and enzyme histochemical methods.


METHODS
Serial cryostat sections of both genders (four guinea-pigs each) were quantitatively analysed for cholinergic, adrenergic and peptidergic nerve fibre density using specific antibodies or enzyme histochemical labelling. Smooth muscle cell nuclei and varicosities or sectioned nerves were counted in detrusor, internal vesical sphincter (VS), ventral longitudinal musculature (VLM), and dorsal longitudinal musculature (DLM), and the ratios of nerves/nucleus (for detrusor, VLM and DLM) were evaluated statistically. The striated and the smooth external sphincter were examined qualitatively.


RESULTS
Detrusor, VS, VLM and DLM had significantly different innervation patterns. In detrusor muscle parasympathetic nerve fibres dominated, while the VS and the urethral muscles had a major sympathetic nerve supply. Neuropeptide Y-positive nerve fibres were abundant in all of the muscles.


CONCLUSIONS
Smooth muscles of the lower urinary tract of the guinea-pig are distinct muscular units with distinct innervation patterns. Although there are no corresponding studies in humans the general innervation seems to be equivalent in human and guinea-pig, qualifying the guinea-pig for comparative urological studies.
Kunze
Andreas
A
Department of Paediatrics, St. Elisabeth/St. Barbara Hospital, Halle/Saale, Germany.
Neuhaus
Jochen
J
Stolzenburg
Jens-Uwe
JU
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000294:innervation; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000294:innervation*
D015415:Biomarkers