Experimental Models of the Gulf War Syndrome
Abstract
This project investigated experimental models with lab animals, which can be used to identify possible causes and therapies for the "Gulf War Syndrome." Some personnel who served in the 1991 Persian Gulf war have reported persistent problems that are dominated by cognitive, neurological and respiratory complaints. In order to clarify the causal factors, rats were evaluated as models of low level exposures to a potential causative agent: oral exposure to anti cholinesterase medication pyridostigmine (PB), and psychological stress resulting from exposure to novel stimuli (Stress). There have been few published experiments with animals receiving dynamic inhalation exposures to chemical warfare agent, and none which have studied combined exposures to such agents + PB + Stress. The health effects of these 3 variables combined may be different than the effects of any one exposure. Quantitative models such as these will permit future studies with human subjects to be more focused and mechanistically driven and future studies with animal models to develop better therapies for poisoning and/or stress-related illnesses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA398827
Entities
People
- Hugh L. Evans
Organizations
- NYU Langone Health