Long term observation of micturition by spinal cord transected rabbits

Abstract

Neurogenic bladder was observed in chronic spinalized animals. Since these animals are difficult to maintain for long periods, there are few reports of systemic study of these preparations. We have recently observed micturition by spinalized rabbits over a period of 4 weeks. In thoracic or lumbar spinalized rabbits, urinary bladder contraction and external urethral sphincter activity were initially recorded from 1–2 days postoperative. Contraction coincided with appearance of hind-limb spasticity. This micturition was the so-called detrusor-external urethral sphincter dyssynergy with residual urine. In sacral spinalized rabbits, no micturition reflex, external urethral sphincter activity, or hind-limb spasticity were observed and the flaccid state continued for 4 weeks. It is suggested that a segmental micturition reflex pathway exists initially in the rabbit sacral cord, because reappearance of the micturition reflex was extremely quick (1–2 days) compared to that of cats (2–3 weeks). Animal hypnosis enabled immobilization during measurement without anesthetic or decerebration. Chronic spinalized rabbits, which are very intolerant to spinal damage, can be maintained alive by intensive care at and post operation and are useful for systemic study of spinal cord injury.