Publication
Title
Regional structural and functional specializations in the urethra of the female rat : evidence for complex physiological control systems
Author
Abstract
This study characterizes the complex structural and functional elements of the female rat urethra that may be involved in controlling urethral closure and continence. Urethras were dissected from female Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 12) euthanized by pentobarbital overdose. Tissues were fixed (4% paraformaldehyde), frozen, and sectioned (8 mu m) for light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Antibodies were used to detect immunoreactivity to calcitonin gene related peptide, nitric oxide synthase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and tyrosine hydroxylase. Measurements of urethral wall compliance were taken along its length and in different axes using a closed ended catheter with a circular aperture. The bladder neck and proximal urethra are characterized by a highly folded epithelium and lamina propria. A smooth muscle layer is apparent but not pronounced. Distal to this region the smooth muscle layer thickens and forms the body of the internal sphincter, which has a complex innervation. In the mid urethra, the smooth muscle is thickened resulting in a luminal protrusion, producing an occlusion of the lumen. The structure of the distal urethra is different. The epithelium has few folds and, immediately below the lamina propria large thin walled vascular lacunae can be found. Measurements of the urethral wall compliance demonstrate distinct regional differences with proximal and distal specialisations. These variations, which correlate with muscular and vascular elements, suggest the operation of discrete systems, hence effecting urethral closure during filling. An understanding of these systems may yield insights into urethral pathology and direct approaches to develop pharmacological interventions to promote continence. (C) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Language
English
Source (journal)
The anatomical record: advances in integrative anatomy and evolutionary biology. - New York, N.Y.
BIOLOGY
Publication
New York, N.Y. : 2018
ISSN
1932-8486 [print]
1932-8494 [online]
DOI
10.1002/AR.23795
Volume/pages
301 :7 (2018) , p. 1276-1289
ISI
000443189900015
Pubmed ID
29451373
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 08.10.2018
Last edited 09.10.2023
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