Ganglion blocking properties of some bispyridinium soman antagonists

Various doses of several bispyridinium compounds (HS-6, HI-6, HGG-12, HGG-42, and SAD-128) known to protect animals against the irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor soman were examined to determine their effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory system of cats. Although the potency varied considerably all of the compounds tested lowered the blood pressure, which appeared to be the result of ganglion blocking properties as determined by their reduction of the pressor response to dimethylphenylpiperazinium and the blockage of the contraction of the preganglionically stimulated cat nictitating membrane. Some of the compounds caused cessation of respiration at much lower doses than others but did so at doses greater than those causing ganglion blockage.