Upregulated 5-HT1A Receptors Regulate Lower Urinary Tract Function in Rats after Complete Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries can lead to bladder dysfunction, including detrusor hyperreflexia, which involves low bladder compliance and increased pressure. This study investigates the role of serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptors in this dysfunction. The research team examined how blocking 5-HT1A receptors affects bladder and urethral sphincter activity in rats with and without spinal cord injuries using pharmacological interventions. The findings suggest that 5-HT1A receptors play a significant role in regulating lower urinary tract function after spinal cord injury, indicating a potential therapeutic target.

• 1
  The study identified significant upregulation of the 5-HT1A receptor in the T10-L2 and L6/S1 spinal segments after chronic complete SCI.
• 2
  Blocking the 5-HT1A receptor resulted in inhibitory effects on non-voiding contractions (NVCs) in SCI rats, reducing their number and amplitude.
• 3
  The reduction of NVCs observed by WAY100635 may be the result of blocking the constitutive activities of the 5-HT1A receptor but activating the beta-adrenergic sympathetic pathway, which in turn relaxes bladder activity.