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PubMed1978

Differences in postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptor populations between isolated cat urethra and various other isolated tissues.

This study was undertaken with the aim of determining whether the postsynaptic alpha-adrenergic receptor population of the cat urethra differed from that of other isolated tissues (rabbit aorta and rat vas deferens) and if so the possibility of selectively affect these receptors. For this purpose the substances 2-methylammonio-1-(spiro[cyclopentane-1,1'-indene]-3'-yl)ethanol (KABI 2023), noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) were used. KABI 2023 and NA acted as full agonists on all three tissues investigated. DA was a full agonist on the vas deferens but was almost inactive on urethra. The contractile response of urethra to KABI 2023 was of an alpha-adrenergic nature, as it could be blocked with phentolamine. Compared with NA, KABI 2023 showed a 10 times higher selectivity for the receptors of urethra than for those of aorta. Affinity constants (log KB) for phentolamine and haloperidol with use of the various agonists were estimated. The affinity of phentolamine was found to be significantly different when using NA and KABI 2023 as agonists on the urethra but not on the aorta. Corresponding findings were obtained with haloperidol. On the vas deferens a greater difference in log KB values than that on the urethra was found. On the basis of the results, it is suggested that the population of postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors in the urethra (cat) differs from that in the aorta (rabbit). On the vas deferens a heterogenicity of postsynaptic receptors seem to exist which makes the interpretation of the results more difficult on this organ. In the presence of phentolamine and haloperidol the maximum responses to NA were potentiated on the aorta and vas deferens, but not on the urethra. Investigations to evaluate this difference are now in progress.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Determination of the urethral dose in prostate brachytherapy when the urethra cannot be visualized in the postimplant CT scan.

This study investigates the feasibility of locating the urethra at the geometric center of peripherally loaded 125I prostate implant when a urinary catheter is not utilized for the postimplant CT scan. Twenty postimplant CT scans utilizing a urinary catheter were randomly selected. The urethra was localized in each study and, in addition, a surrogate urethra was localized at the geometric center of the prostate. Dose-volume histograms of the urethra and surrogate urethra were compiled and compared. The values obtained for the urethra D10, D25, and D50 were in good agreement and demonstrate that the urethral dose can be determined reliably by locating a surrogate urethra at the geometric center of the prostate in a peripherally loaded implant when the urethra cannot be visualized.

Brachytherapy↗
PubMed1987

Sex differences in function and distribution of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rabbit urethra.

To define the functional role of postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors in urethral smooth muscle, we examined the effects of various alpha-adrenergic agonists and antagonists on the contractile properties of the isolated urethra of male and female rabbits and quantified the population of alpha 1-and alpha 2-adrenoceptors, using radioligand receptor binding techniques. Norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine, and phenylephrine, an alpha 1-adrenergic agonist, induced increases in contractile force in both the male and female urethra. Clonidine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, caused a relatively large contractile response in the female urethra but only a small contractile response in the male urethra. Receptor binding studies indicated that the male urethra contains almost equal amounts of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors (32 vs. 34 fmol/mg, respectively), whereas the female urethra contains a significantly greater density of alpha 2- than alpha 1-adrenoceptors (122 vs. 34 fmol/mg, respectively). Our studies indicate that both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors cause contractile responses in male and female rabbit urethra; and the greater response to alpha 2-agonist in female than male urethra is correlated with a higher density of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in this tissue.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Study of directional differences on static and stress urethral pressure profiles of female urethra].

PURPOSE: We investigated the female continence mechanisms by comparing directional differences of static and stress urethral pressure profiles (UPP) in urinary continent females with those in stress incontinent females. Also, the mechanisms of bladder neck suspension were investigated by comparing directional differences of UPP pre- and post-operatively. METHODS: UPP at rest and under stress were recorded by means of double lumens microtip transducer catheter in 21 females without urinary incontinence (normal group) and 38 females with stress urinary incontinence (SUI group). And UPP were recorded pre- and postoperatively in 19-females of SUI group who had surgical cure of SUI (ope group). These measurements were performed on the urethral directions (anterior-direction of symphysis pubis, lateral and posterior) to which the pressure sensor in the catheter were pointed. Pressure transmission ratios (PTR) were calculated in each quartile dividing functional urethral length (FUL) into four equal lengths. We compared the parameters (the maximum urethral closure pressure = MUCP, FUL and PTR) when the sensor lies at the anterior, lateral and posterior direction in each group. The parameters in normal group were compared with those in SUI group in each direction and those in ope group were, compared pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: In all groups, MUCP is always highest in the anterior direction but FUL shows no differences in the three directions. In all directions, MUCP and FUI are higher in the normal group than in the SUI group and there is no significant change in MUCP and FUL following successful bladder neck suspension. In the normal group, PTR of anterior, lateral and posterior urethra were approximately equal, but SUI group patients demonstrated significantly decreased PTR in the lateral and posterior urethra in comparison with PTR observed in the anterior urethra. Also, PTR of the anterior urethra in the SUI group approximates that in the normal group but PTR of the lateral and posterior urethra are lower in the SUI group than in the normal group. In the ope group, in the proximal three-quarters of the FUL, PTR in the lateral and posterior urethra approximated to those in the anterior urethra postoperatively. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that urethral support is destructed in the SUI group as mentioned in DeLancey's hammock hypothesis and lateral and posterior weakness were corrected by bladder neck suspension. Bladder neck suspension restored the continence by constructing posterior support of urethra as the substitution for destructed urethral support.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Functional evaluation of the prostatic urethra by means of transrectal ultrasound].

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is the popular tool in the diagnostics of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) mainly visualizing the static image of prostate with closed urethra. The aim of this study was to observe the changes of the shapes and dimensions of prostatic urethra during micturition using transrectal probe, with simultaneous uroflowmetry. 174 men were examined. 58 of them (aged 20-40 y.) non obstructed--control group, 57 (aged 41-60 y.) and 59 (aged 61-80 y.) with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) symptoms. TRUS with videorecording in upright position was done. Simultaneously uroflowmetry was performed. Maximal dimensions of the cross-sections of the prostatic urethra in sagittal plane were taken on two levels. First at the bladder neck (S1, mm), second in the middle of the prostatic urethra (S2, mm). The relations between dimensions and uroflowmetry were analyzed using also the average of the sum od S1 and S2 (S3 mm). The average dimension of S1 and S2 decreased with age from 6.3 and 7.0 mm in control group, to 5.1 and 4.5 mm in patients over the age of 60. The average of S3 decreased from 13.3 to 9.5 mm. In all groups statistically significant relations between maximal flow rate (Qmax) and S1, S2 were noted (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). Particularly strong relations between Qmax and S3 were stated (p < 0.0001). On the base of these results the nomograms were created which allow to calculate the approximate Qmax basing on the prostatic urethra cross dimension. The TRUS measurement of the prostatic urethra cross sections during micturition allows to calculate approximately the Qmax, especially on the base of S3. The observation of the changes of the shapes and dimensions of the prostatic urethra during micturition will make easier to localize and state the character of BOO. The low Qmax with simultaneous correct cross dimensions of the prostatic urethra can suggest the detrusor insufficiency.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

[The neutropathic urethra: urethrogram and pathophysiologic aspects (author's transl)].

In the analysis of neurogenic urinary voiding disturbances, too much attention has been paid to the bladder, too little to the muscular tubing of the posterior urethra and to the pelvic floor. Contrast radiography of the urethra in injection and micturition, combined with urodynamic investigations, seemed suitable for comprehension of neurogenic functional disturbances of the posterior urethra and the pelvic floor. A cross section of 143 predominantly traumatic patients and 69 patients with myelomeningocele were investigated radiologically. In addition, in a number of patients urinary flow was determined by uroflowmetry and micturition studies with simultaneous recording of intravesical and intrarectal pressure, of the EMG-activity of the pelvic floor and urinary flow were performed by a special method. The radiologic section (I) shows that the urinary picture of various neurogenic bladder types are characterized by specific changes in form of the posterior urethra. With the help of systematic investigations of a number of cases it was demonstrated that in automatic bladder the roentgen contour of the urethra changes with duration of illness and that primarily secondary, morphologic changes-recognizable at the same time from the increasing number of radiologically demonstrable changes of the prostate and the seminal vesicles-are responsible. Simultaneously a typical deformation of the posterior urethra in passive urinary voiding is described, and attention directed to the fact that the urinary pictures of children with neurogenic impaired urethra sometimes cannot be distinguished from those with urethral values. Urinary flow measurements (II) show that the flow rates from a cross section of patients with lesions of the upper and lower neurons are significantly lower in comparison to normals. With the help of combined urodynamic investigations (III) it was demonstrated that a functional obstruction was present in the neurogenic bladder at the level of spastic and of paretic pelvic floors. It was proved that the roentgenologically visible deformation of the posterior urethra plays a quite decisive role in neurogenically disturbed urinary voiding. It is the main reason why, despite sufficient bladder pressure values, urinary voiding remains unsatisfactory and urinary performance low. Hence the therapeutic consequence follows: an improvement in urinary performance in neurogenic bladder is generally only possible through a decrease in the expulsion resistance. Various operative procedures for the release of bladder outlet obstruction and their uses are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Surgical anatomy of the male and female urethra.

The urethra is lined by transitional and stratified columnar epithelium. The urethra can be divided into both anatomic (prostatic, membranous, bulbar, and pendulous) and functional (anterior and posterior) segments. In the male, the anterior urethra is contained within the corpus spongiosum and penis. The urethra in the male and female is located within the urogenital triangle and pierces the superficial and deep perineal spaces of the pelvic floor. The urethra is surrounded by perineal and pelvic musculature that provide support and also form the urethral sphincter mechanism. Cancers of the anterior urethra preferentially drain into superficial inguinal lymph node channels. Those of the posterior urethra (prostatic, membranous, and bulbar segments in the male and the proximal two thirds of the urethra in the female) generally drain into pelvic lymphatic channels. A thorough knowledge of urethral and regional anatomy allows for complete tumor excision, optimal reconstruction, and in selected cases, restoration of urinary tract function.

Female↗
PubMed1986

Radiologic study of the canine urethra.

The structure and function of the canine urethra were studied during retrograde and voiding urethrography in 9 male and 8 female dogs. The lumen of the prostatic portion of the urethra was variable in diameter. During retrograde urethrography, the lumen was narrow with streaks of contrast medium outlining mucosal folds, but during voiding, it was dilated and a spindle-shaped seminal hillock was detected. Retrograde urethrography revealed other regions of the urethra of males and females had a smooth radiographic outline. During voiding urethrography, characteristic identical urethral contractions were observed in the caudal portion of the pelvic urethra (male) and in the caudal half of the urethra (female). Contractions were progressive, occurred where striated muscle was present in the urethral wall, and resulted in an intermittent flow of urine from the urethra. In the male, contractions had a rate of 2.02 +/- 0.23 contraction/s and 1.65 +/- 0.53 in the females. Contractions may have a role in the controlled voiding of small volumes of urine necessary for the repeated marking of territory, in the passage of the ejaculate along the male urethra during copulation, and in the clearance of any residual urine from the urethra at the completion of micturition.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Functional anatomy of the male feline urethra: morphological and physiological correlations.

Anatomical and histological methods were combined with measurements of the urethral pressure profile (UPP) to investigate the functional aspects of the urethra in male cats. A silicone rubber catheter with two microdiaphragm pressure transducers was used to measure the UPP. Gross anatomy and ultrastructure of the urethra at each segment were examined and correlated with the pressure profile data. The preprostatic urethra was composed of three layers of smooth muscle, while distal to the prostate striated muscle became predominant. Increased baseline pressure and rapid fluctuations in pressure in the postprostatic urethra and bulbourethra resulted from the function of periurethral striated musculature. The UPP was affected by the bladder pressure, repetition of the measurement, the sensor orientation in the urethra, and the type of measurement catheter. Well controlled high fidelity measurements enabled a clear correlation to be established between the features of the UPP and the anatomy of the urethra and surrounding musculature. Additionally, observations on the ultrastructural and microscopic anatomy of the urethra extend a previous description of the pelvic urethra.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

[Neurogenic urethra. Urethrogram and pathophysiological aspects].

In the analysis of neurogenic urinary voiding disturbances, too much attention has been paid to the bladder, too little to the muscular tubing of the posterior urethra and to the pelvic floor. Contrast radiography of the urethra in injection and micturition, combined with urodynamic investigations, seemed suitable for comprehension of neurogenic functional disturbances of the posterior urethra and the pelvic floor. A cross section of 143 predominantly traumatic patients and 69 patients with myelomeningocele were investigated radiologically. In addition, in a number of patients urinary flow was determined by uroflowmetry and micturition studies with simultaneous recording of intravesical and intrarectal pressure, of the EMG-activity of the pelvic floor and urinary flow were performed by a special method. The radiologic section shows that the urinary picture of various neurogenic bladder types are characterized by specific changes in form of the posterior urethra. With the help of systematic investigations of a number of cases it was demonstrated that in automatic bladder the roentgen contour of the urethra changes with duration of illness and that primarily secondary, morphologic changes--recognizable at the same time from the increasing number of radiologically demonstrable changes of the prostate and the seminal vesicles--are responsible. Simultaneously a typical deformation of the posterior urethra in passive urinary voiding is described, and attention directed to the fact that the urinary pictures of children with neurogenic impaired urethra sometimes cannot be distinguished from those with urethral values. Urinary flow measurements show that the flow rates from a cross section of patients with lesions of the upper and lower neurons are significantly lower in comparison to normals. With the help of combined urodynamic investigations it was demonstrated that a functional obstruction was present in the neurogenic bladder at the level of spastic and of paretic pelvic floors. It was proved that the roentgenologically visible deformation of the posterior urethra plays a quite decisive role in neurogenically disturbed urinary voiding. It is the main reason why, despite sufficient bladder pressure values, urinary voiding remains unsatisfactory and urinary performance low. Hence the therapeutic consequence follows: an improvement in urinary performance in neurogenic bladder is generally only possible through a decrease in the expulsion resistance. Various operative procedures for the release of bladder outlet obstruction and their uses are discussed.

Female↗
PubMed1998

[Urethral ultrasonography: a new diagnostic approach in the evaluation of stenosis of the male urethra].

Endoscopy and radiological investigations, using contrast medium, have been the only available methods in the study of urethral pathology. In this article we have suggested using the technique of urethral ultrasound to visual the urethra before using ultrasound. Our study included 16 patients ranging in age from 23 to 82 years with urethral stenosis already diagnosed or suspected on the basis of symptomatology at referral. When the urethra is distended by the gel it appears to be a black tube with a smooth surface which does not produce echoes. The gel determines the compression of the corpus spongiosa which is normally a rigid, inelastic tissue because of the prevalence of collagen fibres. The possibility of adding further gel inside the urethra to confirm the echo results even after the introduction of a standard quantity at the start of the procedure we feel is the second definitive advantage with this method. In fact it was possible in our survey by increasing the quantity of gel to currently differentiate between complete and partial stenosis. No patient suffered from a temperature or using retention after this test. No-one complained of discomfort during the procedure. The anterior and posterior urethra are separated by the external sphincter. Radiological images are better obtained from the anterior urethra than the posterior urethra. We have found that ultrasound is a reliable and possibly superior method. With this method it is possible to obtain more information about the peri-urethral scar tissue, the length of the stenosis, the degree of spongy fibrosis therefore allowing more precise urethrotomies to be performed. The test is comfortable for the patient, simple and reduces the risk of radiation. The disadvantages of this method are that the posterior urethra is poorly visualized. Examination of the posterior urethra using a trans-scrotal approach have given poor results. It is necessary to avoid excessive pressure on the probe which could give false positive results. To eliminate this problem it is necessary to scan longitudinally and transversally within the lumen at various stages of filling. It is important to note that air present within the gel could simulate urethral calculi, if the image has been frozen. During the test the presence of air helps to evaluate the degree of flow through the stenosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Normal development of the male anterior urethra.

A histological study was performed on serially sectioned human and mouse embryos to study the influences of programmed cell death (PCD) during morphogenesis for clarifying the existing controversies on the morphology and basic processes involved in the embryonic development of the male anterior urethra. The following new insights into the development of the anterior urethra could be established. The formation of the urethra starts with the early adhesion of the arms of the genital tubercle. In this way an epithelial plate is formed, located in the ventral midline, that is in continuity with the cloacal membrane. Male sex differentiation takes place following rupture of this cloacal membrane through programmed cell death. Fusion of the urogenital swellings with primary luminization gives rise to the penile urethra, whereas the glandular part of the urethra is formed through secondary luminization of the epithelial cord that is formed during fusion of the arms of the genital tubercle, i.e., the glans. In both fusion processes, apoptosis plays a key role. The consequence of fusion of the urogenital swellings is that their mesodermal cores unite on the ventral aspect of the penile urethra, where they differentiate into the integumental structures. The prepuce starts to develop as a fold of ectoderm with a mesodermal core after complete fusion of the entire urethra. Finally, the scrotum was found to develop through merging of the labioscrotal swellings and not by fusion.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Urethral pressure increase on effort originates from within the urethra, and continence from musculovaginal closure.

The aim of the study was to determine the contribution of intra-abdominal pressure transmission to urinary continence in the female. Five patients with genuine stress incontinence (GSI) were studied. Pressure transmission was measured in equivalent positions inside and outside the urethra and bladder during the Intravaginal Slingplasty procedure, a surgical operation used for treatment of urinary incontinence, and performed under local anaesthesia. A 6 mm diameter channel was created alongside the urethra. Two separate microtransducer catheters appropriately marked for length were inserted, one inside the urethra, and the other inside the described channel. With the vaginal hammock intact, an average of 10 simultaneous pressure measurements were made intraoperatively in response to coughing and straining in equivalent positions inside the urethra, and directly outside. Significantly higher pressure readings were found inside the urethra (P = 0.0025), indicating that an active component within the urethra may have created this pressure rise. After opening out two suburethral vaginal flaps, large quantities of urine were lost on coughing in all patients. Continence was achieved on tightening the suburethral vagina, indicating that an adequately tight vaginal hammock is a critical element in the continence process. The findings of this study question intraabdominal pressure as a mechanism contributing to continence, but support an alternative mechanism, musculovaginal closure of the urethra.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

The morphogenesis of human sphincter urethrae muscle.

The morphogenesis of the sphincter urethrae muscle was studied in human ontogeny. Muscles of 65 embryos and fetuses, 7 newborns, 3 children and 3 adults of both sexes were examined histologically and by means of microdissection. Three developmental stages can be recognized in terms of morphogenetic events, histogenesis and development of sexual dimorphism. In the sexually indifferent stage (up to approximately 50 mm crown-rump length), the sphincter urethrae primordium is formed by a shallow arch apposed only to the ventrolateral wall of the urethra. The primordium extends from the level of the urogenital diaphragm up to the vesicourethral transition. It consists of a condensation of mononuclear cells. Myotubes appear in fetuses of 30 mm crown-rump length. During the second stage (until birth) sexual dimorphism develops in conjunction to the formation of the prostate and vagina. In this stage, the sphincter urethrae muscle fibres gradually extend to the posterior wall of the urethra. At the same time cranially situated muscle fibres project to the lateral wall of the prostate, whereas in females caudally located muscle fibres attach to the lateral wall of the vagina. In this way the sphincter achieves the sexually distinct form. The definitive arrangement develops in the third morphogenic stage (after birth), in which a complete muscle ring is formed by encircling the urethra in the infraprostatic part in males and in the upper, larger part of the sphincter in females. The sphincter urethrae muscle is located inside the sling of the puborectalis muscle in both sexes, but no muscle fibres connect them to one another.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Female↗
PubMed2003

Ultrastructure of the urethra of the Mongolian gerbil.

OBJECTIVE: The urethra is the main port of entry of sexually transmitted pathogens. However, papers on the morphology of the urethra are scarce. The Mongolian gerbil is a rodent native of the Mongolia and China and has been utilized as a laboratory animal since the 1960s. This work describes the ultrastructure of the urethra of the Mongolian gerbil to provide data for future experimental studies. METHODS: The urethra of ten adult male gerbils was studied by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The epithelium of the pelvic urethra possesses two cell types: I and II, without the formation of cellular layers, while the penile urethra possesses cellular layers: basal, intermediate and superficial. The urethra presents neurosecretory cells belonging to the amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation system. CONCLUSIONS: The urethral epithelium of the gerbil is a neurosecretory epithelium, part of the amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation system.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Ultrasound assessment of mid-urethra tape at three-year follow-up after tension-free vaginal tape procedure.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anatomic changes in the polypropylene mesh sling after a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure using introital ultrasonography in a prospective study. METHODS: Eighty women with genuine stress incontinence but without pelvic relaxation syndrome underwent surgery. Introital ultrasound evaluation of the mid-urethra TVTs was performed after surgery. RESULTS: Of the 70 women available for evaluation at postoperative year 3, 62 (88.5%) were objectively cured and 6 had improvement; in 2 patients, the procedure had failed. The measurement of the tape position from the bladder neck at the first and third year compared with the tape position at 1 month revealed no statistically significant differences. The tapes were located at the mid-urethra in 60 patients (85.7%) and at the proximal urethra in 10. The measurement of the tape from the lower margin of the symphysis pubis using the rectangular coordinate system showed the tape had a downward descent of 1.7 mm at 3 years of follow-up. The rate of descent decreased during the study period. The mean thickness and width of the tape increased with time. A urethral knee angulation during maximal straining was found in 60 patients (92%), with the tape positioned at the mid-urethra for the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The observations of the tape position and characteristics suggest that shrinkage and compromise of the TVT sling does not occur. The TVT sling fixes to its original implanted site along the urethra and appears to slowly descend with the surrounding tissue with time. The urethra dynamic kinking contributes to the postoperative urinary continence when the TVT sling is placed at the mid-urethra.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Comparative autonomic responses of the cat and rabbit bladder and urethra.

The cat and the rabbit have both been utilized extensively in the study of lower urinary tract function. Previous studies have demonstrated that although both the cat and rabbit bladder are approximately the same weight, the in-vitro cat bladder can generate over 6 times the intravesical pressure of the rabbit bladder. The current study was designed to compare the ability of the isolated bladder to generate pressure with the pressures required to maintain flow through the isolated urethra for both the cat and the rabbit. The results can be summarized as follows. 1) The cat bladder is visibly much thicker than the rabbit bladder, and in vitro cystometry demonstrates that it is far less compliant than the rabbit bladder. 2) Over 20 cm.H2O pressure is required to begin flow through the isolated cat urethra preparation, whereas 5 cm.H2O begins flow through the rabbit urethra. 3) Increasing the flow rate (up to 7-fold) through both the isolated cat and rabbit urethra increases intraurethral pressure only slightly. 4) Both the isolated cat and rabbit urethra respond strongly to field stimulation and alpha-adrenergic stimulation (relative to the opening pressure required to begin flow), but not to cholinergic stimulation. 5) Field stimulation following pre-stimulation by methoxamine induces a strong relaxation of the pre-stimulated cat urethra, but an additive contraction in the pre-stimulated rabbit urethra. These studies demonstrate that in order for the cat to empty its bladder, it must generate a comparatively high intravesical pressure, whereas the rabbit is required to generate a relatively low intravesical pressure.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

The adult human female urethra. Enzyme-histochemical study.

In the female urethra, the activity and distribution of 15 enzymes was determined by using both conventional and special histochemical methods. The enzymatic equipment differed according to the type of epithelial lining whose variation is characteristic for the female urethra. In the stratified squamous epithelium of the urethra, alkaline phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase, acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, thiamine pyrophosphatase, and glucose-6-phosphatase exhibited but minimal or no activity, yet the other 10 enzymes studied displayed activity particularly in basally situated cells. Nearer to the lumen of the urethra, the activity in the epithelium kept decreasing and was mostly absent in superficial and desquamated cells. In the pseudostratified columnar and in the transitional epithelium of the urethra, the majority of enzymes showed an evenly distributed activity at all epithelial levels. In the apical parts of the most superficially situated cells bounding the lumen of the urethra, a distinct narrow zone of higher activity was observed. It was seen not only on determining the majority of dehydrogenases but also on examining acid phosphatase and naphthyl esterase. The endocrine cells occurring in the uroepithelial lining of the female urethra displayed, yet always with the exception of squamous epithelium (Zaviacic et al. 1983), distinct activity of acid hydrolytic enzymes, and of the enzymes studied it was particularly acid phosphatase. The majority of the demonstrated enzymes, of the dehydrogenases priority, is to be given to succinate dehydrogenase, enabled to differentiate readily between the highly active striated muscle fibers located in the most peripheral parts of the excisions along the urethral circumference and the smooth musculature of the urethral wall with a lower or only minimal activity.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗