Cholinergic effect on the urinary tract typically results in which of the following?

Cholinergic effect on the urinary tract typically results in which of the following?

• A. Increased urination
• B. Urinary retention
• C. Decreased urination
• D. No effect

Answer: (A)

Activation of cholinergic pathways in the bladder promotes voiding. Acetylcholine acting on muscarinic receptors on the detrusor smooth muscle (mostly M3) causes the detrusor to contract, increasing bladder pressure and triggering the micturition reflex. This leads to increased urination. Medications that enhance this cholinergic effect, like bethanechol, are used to treat urinary retention, while anticholinergic drugs have the opposite effect by reducing detrusor contraction. So the typical outcome of a cholinergic effect on the urinary tract is increased urination.

Activation of cholinergic pathways in the bladder promotes voiding. Acetylcholine acting on muscarinic receptors on the detrusor smooth muscle (mostly M3) causes the detrusor to contract, increasing bladder pressure and triggering the micturition reflex. This leads to increased urination. Medications that enhance this cholinergic effect, like bethanechol, are used to treat urinary retention, while anticholinergic drugs have the opposite effect by reducing detrusor contraction. So the typical outcome of a cholinergic effect on the urinary tract is increased urination.