The investigation of ureteral sympathetic innervation, using semi-serial sections: why does the alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist work well for ureteral stones?

Purpose: The efficacy of the alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist against ureteral stones was clarified on the basis of ureteral sympathetic innervation.

Methods: Semi-serial sections of retroperitoneal tissue were prepared from one each of donated male and female cadavers, and the nerve distribution in the ureter was investigated. Sympathetic nerve fibers were identified by immunostaining of tyrosine hydroxylase.