Pudendal denervation affects the structure and function of the striated, urethral sphincter in female rats

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Abstract
Our aim was to examine the effects of denervation on urethral anatomy and urine voiding pattern. Rats usually void at one end of their cage, which gives a behavioral index of continence. The voiding preference for denervated rats was decreased to 88.8+4.7%,n=32,Pn=16) or sham-operated rats (105±8%,n=5). The volume of urine or the frequency of voidings between denervated, unoperated or sham-operated rats did not differ significantly. Urethral sections were analyzed immunochemically and quantified morphometrically. Smooth muscle volume remained constant but skeletal muscle volume decreased after denervation, from 43±2% to 36±3% (Pn=5). Fiber diameter decreased from 14.3±1.4 μm to 8.5±0.7 μm (P<0.005). We concluded that pudendal nerve transection in female rats causes behavioral alterations in voiding and muscular atrophy of the striated sphincter.