Problems in Aviation Personnel: Influence of a Tranquilizer on Temperature Regulation in Man

摘要

The effects of a tranquilizing drug of the propaediol group, meprobamate, on thermal balance of men exposed to a cold (50F, 10C), hot (110F, 43.3C), or neutral (80F, 26.7C) environment have been investigated. Results show that a single dose of meprobamate (800 mg) has no effect on temperature regulation of men resting in a neutral environment. During exposure to hot or cold environments, however, the drug groups showed impairment in thermal balance. In the cold, heat production and core temperature of the drug group were lower than the placebo group. In the heat, only moderate elevations in the core temperatures of the drug group were detected. Possible physiological mechanisms responsible for these differences are discussed. (Author)