Ecdysterone induces acetylcholinesterase in mammalian brain.

The effects of ecdysterone on brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in immature and adult rats of both sexes have been studied in in vitro conditions. Ecdysterone produced an increase of AChE in rat brain slices. The most remarkable effect was found in immature male rats. In vitro assay using a purified AChE from electric eel showed no effect. Pretreatment with cycloheximide or actinomycin D abolished the ecdysterone action on brain AChE. These results support the idea that induction of AChE may be involved in the heterophilic action of ecdysterone.