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Pyridostigmine bromide does not alter thermoregulation during exercise in cold air
D E Roberts1, M N Sawka, A J Young
1U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760-5007.
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Pyridostigmine bromide (PB) does not adversely affect exercise responses in the cold. This study found no significant changes in thermoregulation or metabolism in healthy men during exercise after acute or chronic PB administration.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Environmental Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pyridostigmine bromide (PB) is used as a pretreatment against nerve agent poisoning.
- Understanding its effects on physiological responses during physical exertion in cold environments is crucial for military personnel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of acute and chronic pyridostigmine bromide (PB) administration on thermoregulatory and metabolic responses during exercise in cold air.
- To determine if PB affects physiological parameters at different exercise intensities and durations of administration.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, crossover study involving seven healthy men.
- Two 7-day trials: one with PB (30 mg TID) and one with placebo.
- Subjects performed low (approx. 25% VO2max) and moderate (approx. 50% VO2max) intensity exercise tests on days 2-3 and 6-7.
- Measurements included metabolic rate, body temperatures, and blood markers (glucose, lactate, etc.).
Main Results:
- Pyridostigmine bromide (PB) effectively inhibited red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (34% to 43%).
- No significant differences were observed in metabolic rate, body temperatures, or regional heat conductance between PB and placebo trials.
- Plasma concentrations of glucose, glycerol, free fatty acids, lactate, sodium, and potassium remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- The dosage of pyridostigmine bromide (PB) used for nerve agent prophylaxis does not appear to cause adverse thermoregulatory or metabolic effects during moderate exercise in cold climates.
- Neither acute nor chronic administration of PB altered physiological responses to exercise in the cold.
- Findings support the safety of PB for military personnel operating in cold environments.