Membrane potential changes in sphincter motoneurons during micturition in the decerebrate cat

Intracellular recordings from external urethral sphincter (EUS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) motoneurons were obtained during micturition in the decerebrate cat. The neural circuitry mediating micturition was activated by distension of the bladder or by electrical stimulation of the pontine mic...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of neuroscience 1993-07, Vol.13 (7), p.3090-3094
Main Authors: Fedirchuk, B, Shefchyk, SJ
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anal Canal - innervation
Anal Canal - physiology
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Cats
Central nervous system
Decerebrate State
Electric Stimulation
Electrophysiology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Isometric Contraction
Male
Membrane Potentials
Motor Neurons - physiology
Muscle, Smooth - innervation
Muscle, Smooth - physiology
Pons - physiology
Time Factors
Urethra - innervation
Urethra - physiology
Urinary Bladder - innervation
Urinary Bladder - physiology
Urination - physiology
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Intracellular recordings from external urethral sphincter (EUS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) motoneurons were obtained during micturition in the decerebrate cat. The neural circuitry mediating micturition was activated by distension of the bladder or by electrical stimulation of the pontine micturition center (PMC). During micturition, the membrane potential of EUS motoneurons hyperpolarized 3-9 mV, during which time the motoneuron somatic membrane conductance increased. The membrane hyperpolarization could be reversed with passive diffusion or active ejection of chloride from the intracellular microelectrode into the motoneuron. In contrast, the membrane potential of EAS motoneurons either depolarized slightly or showed no change during micturition. We have shown that the neural circuitry mediating micturition can influence the EUS and EAS independently. In addition, stimulation of the PMC provides a valuable tool for identifying spinal neurons mediating the postsynaptic inhibition of EUS motoneurons during micturition.
ISSN:0270-6474
1529-2401
DOI:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.13-07-03090.1993