Oscillatory membrane currents paradoxically induced via NO-activated pathways in detrusor cells

Oscillatory inward membrane currents (I(oscil-in)) reflecting intracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)](i)) activity in detrusor cells, are thought to play an important role in producing tonic bladder contractions during micturition. The present patch clamp study revealed a new activation mechanism: sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor induced I(oscil-in) in a subpopulation of detrusor cells. The inhibitory effect of niflumic acid on SNP-induced I(oscil-in) suggests that Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels are responsible for this current. In addition, SNP-induced I(oscil-in) required the cooperation of Ca(2+) influx through SK&F96365-sensitive channels and intracellular Ca(2+) release channels sensitive to ryanodine but insensitive to xestospongin C (XeC). This is also true for muscarinic agonist (carbachol: CCh)-induced I(oscil-in). However, 1H-1,2,4]Oxadiazolo4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, suppressed SNP-induced I(oscil-in) but not CCh-induced I(oscil-in). The results suggest that a subpopulation of detrusor cells employ the NO/cGMP cascade to potentiate bladder contraction. Mechanisms underlying NO-induced I(oscil-in) are likely to contribute not only to the physiology but also to the pathophysiology of the lower urinary tract.