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Responses to Exogenous and Endogenous Acetylcholine

Marvin Green, MD; Hans Behrendt, MD

Am J Dis Child. 1970;120(5):434-438.

Abstract
The effect of cholinesterase inhibition on sweat glands of neonates was explored through the local action of intradermally administered neostigmine. All 15 full-size neonates reacted to concentrations of 1⁰ to 1⁰ while only four of 17 low-birth-weight infants were responsive. This differential responsiveness is highly significant (P = 0.01). Differences are even greater when related to gestational age. In addition, subthreshold combinations of neostigmine and acetylcholine were given to three premature and four mature infants in order to potentiate pharmacologic stimuli. None of the premature infants responded to doses as high as paired half-maximal concentrations of each drug, while all mature infants showed sweating. Potentiation could not be shown even in mature neonates with pilocarpine and acetylcholine. This study shows that sweat glands are responsive to endogenous acetylcholine in mature neonates but not in those born prematurely.

Author Affiliations
New York

From the Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York.

Footnotes
Received for publication April 24, 1970.

Reprint requests to Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital, 1901 First Ave, Room 511, New York 10029 (Dr. Green).

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