Human prostate neuroreceptors were determined to be alpha-1 adrenergic, dopaminergic, muscarinic cholinergic, 2A serotonergic and H1 histaminergic. Dopamine, serotonin, histamine and their antagonists blocked the adrenergic response, indicating possible receptor-receptor interaction. Further study of the pharmacology of human prostate would likely identify new drugs for treating patients with bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The majority of urinary GAGs likely exist as small oligosaccharides. Urinary uronate and sulfated GAG levels are increased in patients with IC who have severe disease. They may become useful markers for monitoring IC.

Urinary glycosaminoglycan profile, uronate content and hyaluronic acid levels are potentially useful markers for monitoring interstitial cystitis severity, and are likely to be involved in interstitial cystitis pathophysiology.

Megalourethra is a rare congenital disorder. The scaphoid type is due to poor development of the corpus spongiosum, whereas in the more severe fusiform variety the corpora cavernosa also are affected. We report 3 cases of megalourethra (2 scaphoid and 1 fusiform types) and review the relevant literature.

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The experience with 62 99mTc-labeled in vivo scans performed for lower gastrointestinal bleeding is discussed. Thirty-seven scans were deemed positive. The tendency of scans to become positive correlated with observations of active bleeding. Five patients had fulminant hemorrhage, necessitating emergency operation. In this group, scanning accurately located the bleeding sources prior to intervention. Seven other patients having later operations bled less rapidly. The bleeding site was localized accurately by scanning in three of these patients. Two studies were falsely positive and two were negative, whereas angiography was positive in two patients studied. Labeled RBC scanning is a useful technique in the early evaluation of patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding, obviating the need of arteriography in some cases.

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