Immunologic Consequences of Chronic Administration of Pyridostigmine

Abstract

The effect of subchronic administration of pyridostigmine on the immune system was evaluated in rats. Three aspects of the immune reactivity and host defence were measured: humoral immunity (antibody or B-lymphocyte-mediated; Jerne plaque assay and antibody accumulation), cell mediated immunity (T- lymphocyte mediated; blastogenesis and delayed skin reaction) and non-specific resistance (macrophage or NK cell activity; chemiluminescence). Pyridostigmine was administered by Alzet osmotic minipup to produce a 45-48% reduction in serum cholinesterase. There were no significant differences in any of the parameters that were measured among the control groups of rats or those treated with pyridostigmine. The measurement of body weights, organ weights, hemoglobin, RBC and WBC numbers as well as WBC differentials confirmed the apparent lack of effect of pyridostigmine on immune responsiveness.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA237172

Entities

People

  • R. J. Markham

Organizations

  • Defence Research and Development Canada

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • B Lymphocytes
  • Blood
  • Blood Cells
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Culture Techniques
  • Fungi
  • Humoral Immunity
  • Immune System
  • Immunity
  • Leukocytes
  • Lymphatic System
  • Lymphocytes
  • Pesticides
  • Rodents
  • T Lymphocytes

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology