Effects of propiverine hydrochloride, an anticholinergic agent, on urethral continence mechanisms and plasma catecholamine concentration in rats

Abstract

Anticholinergics are used to treat overactive bladder. Anticholinergic agents such as propiverine hydrochloride reportedly increase plasma catecholamine levels in rats. It is also known that active urethral closure mechanisms prevents stress urinary incontinence (SUI), which is enhanced by central and peripheral noradrenergic system activation. Therefore, we examined the influence of propiverine hydrochloride on urethral anti-incontinence function in rats. Adult female rats were divided into propiverine and vehicle-treated groups. The propiverine group was given propiverine orally once a day for 2 weeks, after which urethral function and plasma concentrations of catecholamine (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine) were tested. Urethral baseline pressure measured by a microtransducer-tipped urethral catheter and leak-point pressure during passive intravesical pressure elevation were significantly increased in the propiverine group compared with the vehicle group. Plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels in the propiverine group were also significantly increased. Propiverine treatment that increases plasma catecholamine levels could contribute to improvement of SUI conditions by increasing urethral resistance.