The effect of autonomic drugs on ureteric peristalsis: a canine in vivo study.

An in vivo canine model was developed in which the renal pelvis was perfused by a cannula nephrostomy and ureteric activity assessed by monitoring bolus volume and interperistaltic interval. The effect of autonomic drugs showed that the ureter contained alpha-adrenergic receptors which on stimulation caused an increase in ureteric contraction rate and a decrease in bolus volume. With beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation, there was complete inhibition of ureteric peristalsis for a variable period and evidence is presented that the beta-adrenergic receptors may be beta 1 rather than beta 2. Cholinergic stimulation of ureteric rate was observed, but seemed to be mediated indirectly via alpha-adrenergic receptors. No significant change was seen in ureteric activity with adrenergic blocking agents alone, suggesting that the physiological importance of these receptors in normal activity is questionable.