MK-801, a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, produces facilitation of the micturition reflex in awake, freely-moving rats.

MK-801 (dizocilpine), a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker, produced a dose-dependent (30-120 micrograms/kg, i.v.) increase in the frequency of micturition (as well as the already described behavioral effects) in awake, freely-moving rats. The contraction amplitude was also slightly increased. In contrast, MK-801 administered to urethane-anesthetized rats resulted in complete inhibition of bladder contractions. The effect of MK-801 on the frequency of bladder contractions, therefore, is anesthetic dependent. Excitatory amino acids acting at NMDA receptors may play a role in the control of micturition.