The contractile characteristics of pacemaker regions in the unicalyceal renal pelvis of the rabbit were examined in vitro. The amplitude and frequency spectra of spontaneous contractions of whole and separated circular and longitudinal renal pelvic strips were identified. The effect of stretch on these parameters were examined in order to establish whether the pacemaker region that generates contractions in the renal pelvis was sensitive to distention. The results show that the frequency of spontaneous contractions in the whole pelvis (65 ± 18 mHz) was significantly higher than any part of the circularly (41 × 8 mHz) or longitudinally cut (43 ± 8 mHz) pelvis. The amplitude of longitudinal strips, 52 ± 11 mg, was significantly smaller than that of the circular strips, 267 ± 52 mg. In the circularly separated pelvis the frequency of spontaneous contractions was highest in the proximal part (41 ± 8 mHz) and lowest in the pelviureteral junction (8 ± 1 mHz). No significant increase in frequency was seen upon stretch in the whole or separated pelvis although there was a decrease in the amplitude of both the whole and separated pelvis. These results show that the frequency of contraction of the whole or the segmented renal pelvis is not sensitive to stretch.

Keywords:
Renal pelvis, Pacemaker tissues, Kidney, unicalyceal, Pelvic contractions
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1992 S. Karger AG, Basel
1992
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.