Functional assessment of the sympathetic innervation of the microcirculation of the lower urinary tract: A preliminary report
Shami, Shukri K. ; Basham, Philip ; Beck, Rupert O. ; Fowler, Christopher G. ; Fowler, Clare J.
Springer
Published 1992
Springer
Published 1992
| ISSN: |
1619-1560
|
|---|---|
| Keywords: |
Laser Doppler fluxmetry ; Urothelial blood flow
|
| Source: |
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
|
| Topics: |
Medicine
|
| Notes: |
Abstract This paper presents preliminary data on a new method for testing the sympathetic innervation of the urothelium. A flexible laser Doppler probe was introduced into the urethra of two females and two male subjects. The percentage fall in laser Doppler flux following generalized sympathetic stimulation by taking an inspiratory gasp was measured. This resulted in 36%, 32%, 68% and 34% mean drop in urothelial blood flux. In the female subjects, the probe was advanced into the bladder and the procedure repeated, and the gasp resulted in 60% and 83% drop in flux. With laser Doppler fluxmetry, fall in microcirculatory blood flow associated with a generalized increase in sympathetic tone, therefore can be demonstrated. This method may be useful in the assessment of the integrity of the sympathetic innervation of the urothelium in patients with suspected autonomic dysfunction of the genitourinary tract.
|
| Type of Medium: |
Electronic Resource
|
| URL: |