Pyridostigmine bromide and stress interact to impact immune function, cholinergic neurochemistry and behavior in a rat model of Gulf War Illness.

ABSTRACT: Gulf War Illness (GWI) is characterized by a constellation of symptoms that includes cognitive dysfunction. While the causes for GWI remain unknown, prophylactic use of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine bromide (PB) in combination with the stress of deployment has been proposed to be among the causes of the cognitive dysfunction in GWI. Mechanistically, clinical studies suggest that altered immune function may be an underlying factor in the neurochemical and neurobehavioral complications of GWI. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to determine how responses to an immune challenge (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) or stress impacts inflammation, acetylcholine (ACh) neurochemistry and behavior in an experimental model of GWI. Rats with a history of PB treatment exhibited potentia

SUBMITTER: Macht VA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6790976 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature