Fetal lower urinary tract physiology: In vivo studies

Abstract

Fetal lower urinary tract function is under continuous maturation throughout gestation and is an integrated neurophysiologic event by late gestation. Preliminary in vivo study suggests that peripheral and central nervous system regulation of micturition occurs in utero, and that these events can be modulated pharmacologically and through external stimulation. Normal bladder function in utero is essential to normal development of the entire fetus, and in utero modulation of bladder dysfunction may be feasible as our understanding and diagnostic acumen increase.