The effect of sympathectomy on the urethral pressure profile in the experimental animal.

The effect of sympathectomy and various pharmacologic agents on the dog urethral pressure profile (UPP) was assessed. Succinylcholine was used to subtract the effect of the external urethral sphincter from the total UPP. In the presence of succinylcholine effect, sympathectomy caused a decrease in the UPP in 12 of 13 experiments. In addition, an attempt was made to elicit a denervation sensitivity response to phenylephrine after sympathectomy; none could be shown. Measurements were made of UPP's after administration of both succinylcholine and phenylephrine. Seven of the 13 dogs showed a significant decrease in UPP after succinylcholine administration. Nine of 12 dogs showed a marked increase in UPP after phenylephrine was given.