The role of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors and 5-HT(1A) receptors in the control of the micturition reflex in male anaesthetized rats

1. The effects of the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists doxazosin (0.1 -- 2 mg kg(-1)), RS-100329 (alpha(1A); 0.01 -- 1 mg kg(-1)), RS-513815 (Ro 151-3815, alpha(1B); 0.3 -- 3 mg kg(-1)) and BMY 7378 (alpha(1D); 0.1 -- 1 mg kg(-1)), the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (0.03 -- 0.3 mg kg(-1)) and antagonist WAY-100635 (0.03 -- 0.3 mg kg(-1)) were investigated (i.v.) on the 'micturition reflex' in the urethane anaesthetized male rat. 2. Reflex-evoked urethra contractions were most sensitive to the inhibitory action of RS-100329, followed by doxazosin, BMY 7378 and WAY-100635 and then RS-513815. The maximum inhibition was 66, 63, 54, 46 and 22% at doses of 0.3, 0.5, 0.3, 0.3 and 3 mg kg(-1) respectively. 3. BMY 7378 and 8-OH-DPAT decreased, while WAY-100635 increased, the pressure threshold to induce bladder contraction. WAY-100635 (0.01 mg kg(-1)) blocked the effects of BMY 7378 (1 mg kg(-1)) on bladder pressure and volume threshold. 4. Doxazosin, RS-100329 and BMY 7378 had a similar potency in inducing a fall in arterial blood pressure while WAY-100635 only caused a fall at the highest dose. 5. Therefore, reflex-evoked urethral contraction involves the activation of alpha(1A/1D)-adrenoceptors, as BMY 7378 and RS-100329 are similarly potent in attenuating this effect. The ability of WAY-100635 to attenuate this contraction may suggest that 5-HT(1A) receptors are also involved. However, as this inhibition occurred at the highest dose of WAY-100635, which also caused a fall in arterial blood pressure; this effect is considered to be due to blockade of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors not 5-HT(1A) receptors. Nevertheless the initiation of the 'micturition reflex' involves the activation of 5-HT(1A) receptors.