Acetylcholine synthesis in nerve terminals of diabetic rats.

Streprozotocin diabetes and extracerebral insulin affect acetyl-CoA and acetylcholine metabolism in the brain. In the present study we have shown that pyruvate utilization, acetyl-CoA content and ACh synthesis in nerve terminals from diabetic rats were 45, 30 and 50%, respectively, higher than that in healthy animals. Treatment with insulin normalized pyruvate utilization and acetylcholine synthesis but did not decrease the acetyl-CoA level. 3-Hydroxybutyrate did not affect acetyl-CoA and acetylcholine metabolism in control rats. However, in diabetic animals, 3-hydroxybutyrate significantly increased supply of acetyl-CoA for acetylcholine synthesis. These data provide evidence that increased provision of acetyl-CoA is prerequisite for activation of acetylcholine synthesis in diabetic brain.