THE EFFECT OF LEVCROMAKALIM (BRL-38227) ON BLADDER FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH SPINAL-CORD LESIONS

The effects of the potassium channel opener levcromakalim (BRL 38227) 7.5 mu g kg(-1) were examined on urodynamic variables and blood pressu re during inflow and voiding cystometry in six high spinal cord lesion patients. Levcromakalim administration significantly increased the du ration of bladder contraction (197 +/- 128 s to 267 +/- 167 s, P < 0.0 5) and also reduced blood pressure (126 +/- 13/67 +/- 9 mm Hg to 104 /- 25/52 +/- 12 mm Hg) but was without effect on other urodynamic para meters. Because of concerns about hypotensive responses, further studi es involving higher doses of levcromakalim should be considered only i f the drug was administered intravesically.