The muscarinic receptor antagonist propiverine used for therapy of overactive bladder undergoes first pass metabolism, leading to several active metabolites, which affect muscarinic receptors and L-type Ca(2+) channels with different potencies. M-5, the major metabolite in blood, and M-6 can be synthesized as cis- and trans-isomers. We systematically investigated the pharmacodynamic profiles of the isomers on detrusor contractile function. In murine and porcine detrusor, the effects of the derivatives were examined on contractions induced by electric field stimulation (EFS), cumulatively increasing concentrations of carbachol or high KCl concentration. EFS contractions were concentration-dependently reduced by the M-5 and M-6 isomers although to a different extent. M-5(cis) was slightly more potent than M-5(trans), but the differences did not reach statistical significance. M-6(cis) was significantly more potent than M-6(trans). Responses to carbachol were antagonized by all compounds due to rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves, but only M-5(trans) also significantly reduced the maximum response. pK (B) values obtained with Schild plot analysis indicated slightly higher potency for M-6(cis) than M-6(trans). Ca(2+) influx-dependent contractions elicited by K(+) depolarization were less impaired by low concentrations of the M-6 isomers, but strongly suppressed by 100 microM of the M-5 isomers, suggesting an additional effect of the two M-5 isomers on Ca(2+) influx. All investigated isomers of M-5 and M-6 are biologically active in reducing detrusor contraction in animal tissue. While M-5( cis,) M-6(cis), and M-6(trans) possess surmountable or partially surmountable antagonistic properties at muscarinic receptors, M-5(trans) is a strong non-competitive antagonist. However, at higher concentration ranges, all four compounds seem to have additional effects on Ca(2+) influx.