['We examined the influence of rectal distention on the spinal micturition reflex and the mechanism underlying its inhibition of bladder contraction.', 'Fourteen conscious female Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study after transection of the lower thoracic cord. Isovolumetric cystometry was performed before and after distention of the rectum by inflation of a rectal balloon, followed by intrathecal injection of strychnine (a selective glycine receptor antagonist) or bicuculline (a GABA(A) receptor antagonist) into the lumbosacral cord.', 'Rectal distention (1.0-3.0 cm(3)) prolonged the interval, decreased the amplitude, and shortened the duration of bladder contraction, and eventually almost abolished bladder activity. After intrathecal injection of strychnine (0.001-10 microg) or bicuculline (0.001-1 microg) in animals with inhibition of bladder activity by rectal distention, the interval, amplitude, and duration of bladder contraction returned to baseline.'] Does rectal distention inhibit the spinal micturition reflex via glycinergic or GABAergic mechanisms in rats with spinal cord injury?