Morphological study of the spinal motoneurons controlling the urethral sphincter of female rats: role of androgens in a menopausal model.

Purpose: In this study in a menopausal rat model we describe the effect of androgen withdrawal on motoneurons innervating 2 muscles involved in female urinary continence, namely the intrinsic urethral sphincter and the pubococcygeus muscle.

Materials And Methods: The 5 groups studied were 2 ovariectomized groups and their sham operated controls plus 1 ovariectomized group with dihydrotestosterone supplementation. Blood testosterone assays were performed.

Identification of androgen receptors in the motoneurons of the external urethral sphincter in the spinal cord of female rats.

Objectives: In women, aging is associated with profound hormonal changes. Menopause has been implicated in the etiology of urinary tract complaints including incontinence, urgency and recurrent urinary tract infections. However, the use of hormone replacement therapy for these conditions has given conflicting and disappointing results.