Estrous cycle alters micturition pattern in conscious rat

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to investigate the influence of estrous cycle on micturition pattern in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rat. METHODS: Micturition pattern was evaluated by measuring void volume, void interval and void pressure in each stage of the estrous cycle by cystometry. RESULTS: A higher bladder capacity and a decrease in the frequency of micturition occurred in the proestrus and estrus stage, while a lower bladder capacity and an increase in the frequency of micturition occurred in the diestrus stage. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that these remarkable variations in the physiology of the micturition pattern during different stages of the estrous cycle might be due to the effects of estrogen and progesterone because the level of these hormones fluctuate during each stage of the cycle. Therefore, monitoring the estrous cycle prior to any cystometry experiment in conscious rat is recommended for a better understanding of the effects of these hormones on bladder function.