Morphological dynamics of ureteral transport. II. Peristaltic patterns in relation to flow rate.

To study in the human the conditions for the flow regimes inherent in urinary systems with a dependence of the contraction interval on urine flow rate (boluses-in-contact, leaky-bolus, and open-tube flow regimes), 50 urinary systems were examined at low and high flow rates. Morphometry and volumetry were applied to eight urinary systems. The bolus frequently contacted the preceding contraction ring but the mechanisms differed categorically from that conventionally postulated. Thus the contraction interval proved independent of flow rate, leading to boluses in contact not only at high but also at low flow rates, which is impossible in flow-dependent urinary systems. Likewise, contact proved possible with small as well as large boluses. Furthermore, the contact was invariably interrupted at the points of resistance to flow, the total contact period being only 4% of the ureteral transit. Leaky-bolus flow and open-tube flow were absent. The flow regimes as conventionally defined thus proved to be absent from and inconsistent with normal human urinary transport.