Effects of Pyridostigmine in Flinders Line Rats Differing in Cholinergic Sensitivity.
Abstract
The Flinders Line rats were developed at Flinders University in Australia by selective breeding for differential responses to the anticholinesterase, diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DEP). Subsequently, it was determined that the FSL rats were also more sensitive to directly acting muscarinic agonists as well as a variety of other drugs, including alcohol, diazepam, nicotine. The heightened sensitivity of the FSL rats to a variety of drugs suggests that they will also be more sensitive to the effects of pyridostigmine, an anticholinesterase which was given to gulf war participants. The results of initial experiments indicate that there are no line differences in telemetrically monitored hypothermia or general activity after pyridostigmine (4, 12, or 36 mg/kg, orally administered), even though there were substantial differences in hypothermia induced by the muscarinic agonist, oxotremorine. These negative findings were expected because pyridostigmine does not exert central cheolinergic effects necessary to induce these changes. Growth hormone level, the parameter most likely to change after pyridostigmine treatment, is still being analyzed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA342269
Entities
People
- David H. Overstreet
Organizations
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill