STUDIES ON CHOLINE ESTERASE ACTIVITY AND ACETYLCHOLINE CONTENT OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

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Abstract
Expts. on unanesthetized rabbits show that neither prolonged anoxia, hypoglycemia, nor convulsions alter the acetylcholine content and choline esterase activity of hemispheres and brain stem. Intraven. inj. of eserine (0.5 mg./kg.) markedly inhibits choline esterase activity and increases the acetylcholine content of the brain. The effects are reversible with time. Neither convulsions nor O2 lack alter the acetylcholine and the choline esterase activity in eserinized rabbits. Expts. on frogs show that strychnine convulsions are accompanied by a marked increase in the acetylcholine content of the brain and spinal cord. There is no significant alteration in the choline esterase activity. When frogs are warmed to 38[degree]C. or higher, a comatose condition appears. The C.N.S. of such animals shows a decrease in both acetylcholine content and choline esterase activity. When the heated frogs are allowed to recover, they show, 48 hrs. later, together with restoration of nervous system functions, a return to choline esterase activity and acetylcholine content to approx. normal values.

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