Morphological changes of cholinergic nerve fibers in the urinary bladder after establishment of artificial somatic-autonomic reflex arc in rats

Neuroscience Bulletin, 2007 · DOI: · Published: September 30, 2007

Urology Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

The study aimed to observe changes in nerve fibers in the bladder after creating an artificial reflex arc in rats. Researchers created a 'skin-CNS-bladder' reflex pathway to help SCI patients control urination by scratching their skin. The study found that the somatic motor fibers may replace the autonomic preganglionic fiber.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

15 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
DiI-labeled neurons were mainly in the left ventral horn from L3 to L5, with some being ChAT-positive.
2
The number of neural fibers in the bladder significantly decreased in the SCI group compared to the control group.
3
After establishing the artificial reflex arc, the number of ipsilateral fibers in the bladder increased compared to the SCI group, but was still less than the control group.

Research Summary

This study investigates the morphological changes of cholinergic nerve fibers in the urinary bladder after establishing an artificial somatic-autonomic reflex arc in rats. The researchers found that somatic motor axons can regenerate into the pelvic nerve, with the main neurotransmitter of the new reflex arc being acetylcholine. The study suggests that somatic motor excitation from cutaneous stimuli can be transmitted to the bladder via anastomosed efferent motor nerves, resulting in bladder contraction.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapy for SCI

The artificial somatic-autonomic reflex arc could offer a way to restore some bladder control in SCI patients.

Understanding Nerve Regeneration

The study sheds light on how somatic nerves can replace parasympathetic nerves through axonal regeneration.

Improving Bladder Controllability

Reinnervation of the detrusor muscle by somatic motor fibers may promote the controllability of the bladder after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size (n=5 per group)
2
Study performed only on female rats
3
Further studies needed to fully understand the mechanisms of the artificial reflex arc

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