Estrogens influence differentially on the pelvic floor muscles activation at somatovisceral reflexes involved in micturition of rabbits

Objective: To determine the estrogen-dependency of the bladder and urethral function and the coordinated activation of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) during micturition. Methods: We allocated age-matched female rabbits to control, 1-month ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX plus 2-week estradiol benzoate (EB) groups to record cystometry, urethral pressure, and electromyograms of bulbospongiosus (Bsm), and pubococcygeus muscles (Pcm) simultaneously. We also measured serum estradiol levels and myofiber cross-sectional area. We assessed urodynamic and urethral variables, categorized the Bsm-Pcm activation patterns at storage and voiding phases, and obtained the power spectrum density of muscle activation around the voiding phase. We investigated the influence of ovarian hormones, in general, and the contribution of estrogen, particularly on the functions of the bladder, urethra, and PFM. Statistical significance was set at P 
Source: Menopause - Category: OBGYN Tags: Original Studies Source Type: research