Investigation the effect of ramelteon on urinary bladder smoth muscle contraction-relaxation mechanism

Abstract

Aim: A melatonin receptor agonist ramelteon is a drug that is also used in urinary tract infections. Melatonin is known to have an effect on smooth muscle contraction. In this study, we aimed to question whether ramelteon exerts a melatonin-like effect on bladder contractions. Material and Methods: Wistar-albino (n = 8) intact female rats were used in the study. After decapitation, 1.5x5 mm bladder strips were examined in an isolated organ bath in which there was Krebs-Henseleit solution. After the regulation period, ramelteon was applied non-cumulatively in two separate doses of 0.2µM, 1µM. The area under the curve (AUC) and peak to peak (p-p) values before and after the application were normalized as % change. Results: Exposure of bladder strips to ramelteon significantly increased contractions. Ramelteon caused a statistically significant increase in p-p, AUC values of spontaneous bladder contractions at a dose of 0.2 and 1µM (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Ramelteon has an activator effect on spontaneous bladder contractions unlike melatonin. The physiopathological mechanisms under activator activity need to be investigated with further studies. This effect should be taken into account in clinical use.