[Continuous detection of the release of acetylcholine from the electric organ of Torpedo using a chemiluminescence reaction].

A chemiluminescent procedure to measure acetylcholine was developed and used to detect continuously the release of transmitter from stimulated electric organ slices and synaptosomes. Acetylcholine is hydrolysed by acetylcholinesterase; the choline liberated is oxidized by choline oxidase to betaïne; the H2O2 generated triggers the luminescence of luminol in presence of peroxidase. The extension to other transmitters is possible; several developments are envisaged.