Effects of metoclopramide on the urethral pressure profile of healthy dogs.

Abstract

The purpose of the present work was to study the effect of metoclopramide on urethral pressure since urethral relaxation is an important factor in vesical voiding. Urethral pressure was measured in 6 dogs, anesthetized with propofol before and 1, 5 and 10 minutes after the administration of metoclopramide (0.5 mg/kg.) or placebo. A single injection of metoclopramide induced a large decrease in maximal urethral closure pressure (53 to 90%; mean 71%, p < 0.001--Anova). The decrease with placebo, 5 to 44% (mean 26%), was not significant (Anova test: p = 0.06). It is argued that a central dopaminergic action most probably accounts for this effect of metoclopramide on urethral pressure.