Pathophysiology of Anticholinesterase Agents

Abstract

We describe the acute, delayed, and long-term effects on rat neuromuscular junction (NMJ) ultrastructure and physiology following single acute injections of very low to near lethal doses of physostigmine, and reversible anticholinesterase (anti-ChE) compound. In addition, we describe the immediate and long term effects of subacute exposures at doses which produce sustained blood ChE inhibitions of 40% (+ or - 10%) and 80% (+ or - 10%) for up to 14 days and of the reversibility of effects during recovery for 3-28 days following termination of subacute exposure. In this in-depth study, we describe dose-response curves for enzyme inhibition, ultrastructural pathology, and altered physiology, as well as data pertaining to reversibility of toxic effects following both acute and subacute exposures. In parallel physiological experiments, effects of subacute physostigmine administration appeared minimal and quickly returned to normal during the recovery period after Alzet pump removal, supporting the data obtained by ultrastructural analysis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 09, 1986
Accession Number
ADA203643

Entities

People

  • John E. Rash
  • Julie K. Elmund

Organizations

  • Colorado State University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Blood
  • Cell Membrane
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Lethal Dosage
  • Medical Personnel
  • Microscopy
  • Mitochondria
  • Muscle Cells
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Rodents
  • Skeletal Muscle
  • Synapses

Readers

  • Neurotoxicology
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology