Cat and dog: Higher center of micturition

The nervous control of micturition in the pontine level was studied using cats and dogs as research specimens. Two techniques for this purpose were employed: (1) electrical and chemical stimulations research and (2) nerve tracing research. This investigation suggests that two distinct pontine centers exist, the commonly known pontine micturition center (PMC) which is responsible for urine emptying, and a second, very important pontine center which functions as the urine storage facilitator (PUSFC). The PMC, which triggers bladder contractions and micturition, is located in the nucleus locus coerleus alpha (LCa). The second center (PUSFC) is located in the nucleus locus subcoerleus (LSC). Micturition is controlled by close coordinate operation of both centers in the pontine level. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.