Sympathectomy alters acetylcholinesterase expression in adult rat heart.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the significance of adrenergic nerve associated acetylcholinesterase for the pool of total acetylcholinesterase molecules.

DESIGN

Acetylcholinesterase was analysed after destruction of adrenergic nerves by 6-hydroxydopamine or bilateral stellate sympathectomy. Effectiveness of treatment was verified by determining noradrenaline concentrations in right ventricle. Acetylcholinesterase activity was assayed in homogenates of atria and portions of left ventricular free wall.

SUBJECTS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, weight 225-260 g, n = 5 per experimental group.

MAIN RESULTS

Sympathectomy caused a small decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity, due to a decrease in the activity of the tetrameric globular form of the enzyme. Choline acetylcholinesterase activity was not altered by sympathectomy, which is an indication that cholinergic nerves were not affected.

CONCLUSIONS

The contribution of adrenergic neurones to the cardiac pool of acetylcholinesterase is measurable and consists primarily of the tetrameric globular form of the enzyme.