EFFECTS OF METOCLOPRAMIDE ON THE URETHRAL PRESSURE PROFILE OF HEALTHYDOGS

Purpose: The purpose of the present work was to study the effect of me toclopramide on urethral pressure since urethral relaxation is an impo rtant factor in vesical voiding. Materials and Methods: Urethral press ure was measured in 6 dogs, anesthetized with propofol before and 1, 5 and 10 minutes after the administration of metoclopramide (0.5 mg./kg .) or placebo. Results: A single injection of metoclopramide induced a large decrease in maximal urethral closure pressure (53 to 90%; mean 71%, p < 0.001 - Anova). The decrease with placebo, 5 to 44% (mean 26% ), was not significant (Anova test: p = 0.06). Conclusion: It is argue d that a central dopaminergic action most probably accounts for this e ffect of metoclopramide on urethral pressure.