Innervation of the abdominopelvic ureter in the cat.

Abstract

AbstractThe distribution of cholinergic and adrenergic nerves in the cat ureter was studied by specific histochemical techniques for acetylcholinesterase and norepinephrine. The innervation of the ureter is characterized by (1) a generalized dual cholinergic and adrenergic nerve supply, (2) the presence of muscular innervation, (3) a continuity of terminal muscular and vascular nerves, (4) a widespread distribution of ganglion cells except in the pelviureteric area and (5) regional variations in the density of both cholinergic and adrenergic elements.On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that in the cat ureter peristalsis has a myogenic origin in the proximal end of the ureter, but its distalward propagation along the abdominal and pelvic segments is controlled by a dual sympathetic and parasympathetic influence which is mediated in part through a system of intrinsic ureteric ganglion cells.