Evidence for functional ghrelin receptors on parasympathetic preganglionic neurons of micturition control pathways in the rat

Abstract

1. Previous work indicates that agonists of ghrelin receptors can act within the spinal cord to stimulate autonomic outputs to the colorectum and to blood vessels. Because of the close relationship between colorectal and urinary bladder control, we have investigated whether ghrelin receptor agonists also stimulate spinal centres that influence the bladder. 2. The ghrelin receptor agonist capromorelin (10 mg/kg), injected intravenously in anaesthetized male rats, disrupted the ongoing cycle of micturition reflexes and caused phasic oscillations in pressure that averaged approximately 20 mmHg. Fluid output from the bladder was diminished. The effects of capromorelin were inhibited by hexametho..