The role of sensory nerves in catheter-induced urethral inflammation.

We have studied the contribution of the nervous system on experimentally induced urethral inflammation in the rat. Urethral inflammation was produced by inserting latex strips into the urethra. The effects of different experimental procedures were assessed by using a 4-grade inflammation scale based on histological findings. Attenuation of urethral inflammation was produced by administration of capsaicin at birth. A more complete attenuation was produced by infusion of capsaicin prior to application of the latex strip. These data taken together indicate that sensory innervation of the urethral mucosa is involved in the inflammatory reaction and that infusion of the urethra with capsaicin may be tried to prevent catheter-induced urethral inflammation.