The Effects Of Pseudoephedrine On The Heart Rate Of The 120 Hour Chick Embryo The Pennsylvania State University Berks-Lehigh Valley College John Boutros Hosam Kamhia Dr. Jacqueline McLaughlin

Pseudoephedrine solutions were obtained by a serial dilution of Nyquil™ liquid. Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine which provides temporary relief of nasal and sinus congestion. Irregular or fast heartbeats may occur along with vasoconstriction of blood vessels, worsen pH, increase in blood pressure, palpitations of the heart and irregular heart rhythms

The chemical structure of Pseudoephedrine is similar to that of the psychostimulant amphetimine, both are classified as sympathiomimetic drugs. Sympathiomimetic drugs produce physiological effects resembling those caused by the activity or stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system Palpitations Tachycardia Increased Blood Pressure

Pseudoephedrine directly affects the CNS by inhibiting the re-uptake of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. This causes increased stimulation of the “pleasure pathways” in the Limbic System. This may lead to addiction.

Our purpose is to apply different concentrations of Psuedoephedrine to an explanted in-vitro chick embryo, and an increased heart rate will be noted.

Prepare serial dilutions of Nyquil ® (Pseudoephedrine) in chick’s saline % 0.005% 0.05% Obtain a 120-hour chick embryo and place into glass dish lined with cotton.

Place Scotch tape along axis on the top of the egg. Puncture small hole with needle in top of the egg, withdraw 1-2 ml of albumen. Proceed to cut an oval opening (“Window ” Technique, Cruz 1993).

Record the in-vivo heart rate for 5 times. “Explant” the chick embryo by placing a paper doughnut over the embryo and cut surrounding membranes. Then transfer the embryo to the glass dish filled with the warm chick saline (“Explant” Technique after Cruz 1993).

Record the in-vitro heart rate for 5 times. Place the 0.05%, 0.005%, % Pseudoephedrine concentrations in separate glass dishes. Place the in-vitro heart into each different glass dishes containing the Pseudoephedrine concentrations. Record heart rate 5 times for each concentration.

Overall the embryonic heart rate increased by applying various concentrations of Pseudoephedrine. Double beating, fibrillation, tachycardia, and ultimately cardiac arrest had occurred.

Our hypothesis was supported. The greatest effect on the chick embryo heart was the 0.05% concentration of pseudoephedrine. Double beating, fibrillation, tachycardia, and ultimately cardiac arrest had occurred.

McCain, E.R. and McLaughlin J.S. “Developmental and Physiological Aspects of the Chicken Embryonic Heart.” “WebMD Health.” Drugs and Herbs. (02/19/2003) Cruz, Y.P Laboratory Exercises In Development Biology. Academic Press, San Diego, California, page 241. [INSB ][book] CAFDIS