Autonomic Receptor Functions of the Human Ureter: an in Vitro Study

The autonomic receptor functions of ureteral smooth muscle were studied in vitro on strips of human ureter obtained at surgery. A dose-dependent, reproducible, contraction response to 5-hydroxytryptamine (Serotonin, 5-HT) was demonstrated. This response could be blocked by methysergide. Responses to acetylcholine and to drugs stimulating adrenergic receptor functions were also found, but they were weak and inconsistent. This suggests that contraction of ureteral smooth muscle is mediated through receptors which are sensitive to 5-hydroxytryptamine.