Excitatory and inhibitory effects of stimulation of sacral dorsal root ganglion on bladder reflex in cats.

Abstract

To explore the effects of electrical stimulation of the sacral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) on bladder reflexes in α-chloralose-anesthetized cats. Bladder activity was recorded under isovolumetric conditions. A pair of hook electrodes was placed in the right S1 and S2 DRGs of 12 adult male cats, which were stimulated over a range of frequencies (0.25-30Hz) and at threshold intensity. Stimulation of S1 and S2 DRGs inhibited or evoked bladder contractions under isovolumetric conditions depending on the frequency of stimulation in nine cats. Stimulation at low frequencies (3-7Hz on S1 or S2 DRG) significantly inhibited isovolumetric rhythmic bladder contractions, while excitatory effects were observed at two frequency ranges, including lower frequencies (0.25-1.5Hz on S1 DRG and 0.25-1.25Hz on S2 DRG) and middle frequencies (15-30Hz on S1 and S2 DRGs). These results suggest that the sacral DRG might be a potential valuable target for electrical stimulation in the treatment of bladder dysfunction.