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Effects of scopolamine on autonomic profiles underlying motion sickness susceptibilityThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of scopolamine on the physiological patterns occurring prior to and during motion sickness stimulation. In addition, the use of physiological profiles in the prediction of motion sickness was evaluated. Sixty subjects ingested either 0.6 mg scopolamine, 2.5 mg methoscopolamine, or a placebo. Heart rate (HR), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (an index of vagal tone), and electrogastrograms were measured prior to and during the exposure to a rotating optokinetic drum. Compared to the other groups, the scopolamine group reported fewer motion sickness symptoms, and displayed lower HR, higher vagal tone, enhanced normal gastric myoelectric activity, and depressed gastric dysrhythmias before and during motion sickness induction. Distinct physiological profiles prior to drum rotation could reliably differentiate individuals who would develop gastric discomfort from those who would not. Symptom-free subjects were characterized by high levels of vagal tone and low HR across conditions, and by maintaining normal (3 cpm) electrogastrographic activity during drum rotation. It was concluded that scopolamine offered motion sickness protection by initiating a pattern of increased vagal tone and gastric myoelectric stability.
Document ID
19930040040
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Uijtdehaage, Sebastian H. J.
(California Univ. Los Angeles, United States)
Stern, Robert M.
(Pennsylvania State Univ. University Park, United States)
Koch, Kenneth L.
(Pennsylvania State Univ. Hershey, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
Volume: 64
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0095-6562
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Accession Number
93A24037
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG9-118
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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