The pharmacology of the rat ureter in vivo

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Abstract
1 A method of recording the peristaltic frequency and the rate of transport of fluid (perfusion rate) in the rat ureter in vivo is described. 2 Acetylcholine and atropine did not alter ureteral activity. Histamine increased the rate of peristalsis by up to 15% and the rate of perfusion by up to 10%. Low doses of 5-hydroxytryptamine increased peristaltic frequency whereas high doses decreased peristaltic frequency; all doses reduced the rate of perfusion. 3 Morphine reduced the rate of perfusion by 5–10% at all dose levels, but only the highest dose used reduced the frequency of ureteral peristalsis. 4 (—)-Adrenaline, (—)-noradrenaline and (±)-isoprenaline reduced the frequency of peristalsis. The order of potency was isoprenaline>noradrenaline>adrenaline. The response was dose-related and blocked by propranolol, which itself did not affect ureteral activity.