Nicorandil - A Potassium Channel Opener-Ameliorates Overactive Bladder Induced by Type-1 Diabetes in the Male Albino Rats

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common clinical entity. There are evidences that modifying K-ATP channels lead to detrusor relaxation in human. Objective: In the present study the therapeutic effect of nicorandil - a K-ATP channel opener- in the management of OAB in type-1 diabetic rats was compared to that of oxybutinin. Material and Methods: Forty eight adult male albino rats were assigned equally into 4 groups (1-4). In groups 2: 4, type-1 diabetes was induced by a single streptozotocin intraperitoneal injection (65mg/kg), after 4 weeks, groups 3 and 4 were treated by Oxybutinin (3mg/kg/day) and Nicorandil (3mg/kg/day) orally for one week, respectively. Results: Oxybutinin and Nicorandil significantly reduced the mean urodynamic parameters (basal, threshold, maximal pressures and the intravesical pressure rises), bladder weight and bladder smooth muscle thickness and sensitivity of invitro preparations to acetylcholine compared to those of diabeticsaline group-2. While a significant increase in the mean bladder volume was noticed with Nicorandil group, Oxybutinin showed a significant decrease compared to that of diabeticsaline group-2. Conclusion: Nicorandil has a potential role in suppressing the OAB resulting from type-1 diabetes as shown in the experimental work.