Effects of Chronic Pyridostigmine Administration on Sustained Work Output in Monkeys
Abstract
Two pairs of cynomolgus monkeys were tested with repeated chronic pyridostigmine administration to assess this drug's effects on an operant schedule requiring large amounts of sustained work. One monkey of each pair earned reinforcement on a progressive ratio leverpressing schedule, while the second (or 'yoked' ) member of the pair earned its rewards on a progressive interval schedule. The progressive ratio schedule produced a high rate of responding for several hours, whereas the progressive interval schedule produced steady, slow rates of responding. Pyridostigmine was administered, orally, to all monkeys in doses that reduce whole blood cholinesterase levels 30% to 54% for one to three weeks at a time. The results indicate that the ability of the primates to maintain a high rate of behavior over an extended period of time (two to three hours) is affected by the initial administration of chronic pyridostigmine, while the ability to maintain a lower rate of response is not. Futhermore, repeated sets of chronic pyridostigmine administration are without affect on sustained high rates of responding.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA183739
Entities
People
- David M. Penetar
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense