Studies on the Possible Central and Peripheral Effects in Man of a Cholinesterase Inhibitor (Pyridostigmine)

Abstract

1 The effect of a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor (pyridostigmine: 30 mg, 8-hourly for 3 days) on psychomotor performance and visual function and on the electrical activity of the brain was studied in healthy man. 2 It was not possible to detect any change during the six individual experimental sessions over the 3 days, but with pooling of the data there was a drug effect. The threshold for detection of a flickering light was increased and less responses were missed on a dynamic visual-acuity task. Visuo-motor coordination was impaired. 3 The observations were consistent with the known activity of the drug and suggest an increase in central arousal and minimal alteration in motor coordination.