EFFECT OF NICOTINE ON SWIMMING EXERCISE IN RATS

In this study, endurance time in swimming exercise was evaluated in ra ts. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of nicotine decreased the endurance time in swimming exercise significantly, in a dose-dependent manner co mpared to the control group. At the dose of 0.125 mg/kg nicotine, the endurance time in swimming exercise remained unchanged, while at the d oses of 0.25 and 0.375 mg/kg, it decreased significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). This effect of nicotine was antagonized by p retreatment with hexamethonium 5 mg/kg s.c. These results suggest that nicotine may limit the physical performance.