Effects of Cholinergic Drugs on Exercise Performance and Simple Reaction Time of Rhesus Monkeys.
Abstract
Four juvenile rhesus monkeys were trained to perform an exercise response and respond aperiodically to a visual signal. The exercise response simulated a rowing motion and typically resulted in heart rates in excess of 200 beats per minute. A red signal light was usually displayed during the exercise period. Using a partial reinforcement schedule, the red light was replaced aperiodically with a green signal light that indicated a reaction-time condition. Responses on a lever within 1 s of the green light onset resulted in a food pellet. The drugs atropine sulfate, pralidoxime chloride, pyridostigmine bromide, scopolamine hydrobromide, and meclizine hydrochloride were administered concurrently or individually before the exercise session. Atropine sulfate and pralidoxime hydrochloride were administered in three dose levels. The current drug administration produced significant dose-related decrements in exercise responses and increases in postreinforcement pause times. Tail temperatures during drug testing generally were below baseline temperatures. Only atropine sulfate, when tested individually, produced behavioral effects. Neither concurrent nor individual administration of the drugs produced any reaction-time change. The availability of tapwater during training and drug testing sessions did not alter atropine sulfate effects on performance. (sdw)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 20, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA219455
Entities
People
- J. A. D'andrea
- J. Knepton
- J. O. De Lorge
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory