Choline acetyltransferase activity in parotid glands of rats after prolonged treatment with pilocarpine.

The enzyme activity, expressed as total activity and concentration, was found to be decreased in the cholinergic neurones of the glands after treatment with pilocarpine for 10 days. The secretion of saliva evoked by the parasympathomimetic drug is thought to have reduced the reflex stimulation of the glands via the cholinergic secretory nerves and thereby lowered the enzyme activity in the nerves.