PHARMACOLOGICAL OPTIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE URETERAL COLIC - AN INVITRO EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY

The effects of opiate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents on th e in vivo canine ureter were compared using a new model for the assess ment of ureteric pharmacology. A pressure measuring catheter attached to a pressure transducer and pre-calibrated pen recorder was ligated i nto the lumen of 2.5 cm segments of normal canine ureter. The segments were immersed in an organ bath at physiological pH and temperature an d spontaneous contractility was observed in 90% of them. Morphine had a spasmogenic eff ect on ureteric activity which was unaffected by nal oxone. This effect was similar to that of histamine and prostaglandin F2alpha and was abolished by chlorpheniramine but not by cimetidine. P ethidine produced a transient stimulation followed by inhibition of ur eteric activity which was unaffected by naloxone. Both indomethacin an d diclofenac produced an abrupt inhibition which was reversible with p rostaglandin F2alpha. These data suggest that pethidine or a non-stero idal anti-inflammatory agent may by virtue of their spasmolytic effect s be a superior choice of therapy for the acutely obstructed ureter.