Oral Pyridostigmine Administration in Rats: Effects on Thermoregulation, Clinical Chemistry, and Performance in the Heat
Abstract
We have recently reported that acute intraperitoneal administration of pyridostigmine bromide to rats resulted in significant decrements in physical performance in the heat, adverse thermoregulatory effects, and exacerbated elevations in several indices of heat/exercise injury. To simulate anticipated human use of this carbamate as a prophylaxis for organophosphate poisoning, pyridostigmine was dissolved in the drinking water of rats. Consumption of pyridostigmine for 7 days (n=34, 6.6 mg/day) resulted in a 23% (p<.001) reduction of circulating cholinesterase when compared with a control group (n=31) while ingestion for 14 days (n=35, 8.9 mg/day) elicited a 39% (p .001) inhibition of circulating cholinesterase when compared to a second control group (n=33). Water and food consumption, rate of weight gain, and overt behavior were unaffected by pyridostigmine consumption. When approximately half the animals in each group were exercised (9.14 m/min) in the heat 35 C) to hyperthermic exhaustion (Tre = 42.5-43 C, rats unable to right themselves), pyridostigmine consumption for 14 days effected a significantly (p .05) increased rate of weight (water) loss, but no further effects on thermoregulation or performance were noted. We have concluded from these studies that administration of pyridostigmine in the drinking water of animals may be a quantitative and suitable means to simulate oral consumption in humans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA164972
Entities
People
- C. Matthew
- John Young
- N. Leva
- R. Francesconi
- R. Hubbard
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine