Modelling of dysfunctions in the neuronal control of the lower urinary tract

Abstract

In this article a model of the regulator system of the lower urinary tract is presented discussing, in particular, the dysfunctions associated with the neurogenic bladder. The design and implementation of the model has been carried out using distributed artificial intelligence, more specifically a multi-agent system. Each agent is modelled so that its behaviour is similar to that of a neuronal centre. By means of this design, the behaviour of the neuronal regulator of the lower urinary tract is simulated using a model with a similar structure to the organisation of the biological system, conferring on it emergent properties. We compare the results obtained using the model in situations with several neurological dysfunctions with experimental results obtained from patients suffering from the analysed dysfunctions. The data, obtained using the model, are consistent with the existing real clinic studies in medicine related to the same dysfunctions. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.