TOTAL AND FREE ACETYLCHOLINE IN RAT PERIPHERAL NERVES

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Abstract
The spinal nerves of normal rats contain a variable amt. of acetylcholine (ACh), ranging in 11 expts. from about 2-16 [gamma]/g., with an avg. of 6 [gamma]/g. Of this amt., about 70% can consistently be extracted by grinding the nerves with saline. This fraction, constant within exptl. error, has been defined as free ACh. In the nerves of animals in DDT convulsions, or with transcction or cold block of the spinal cord, the ACh becomes 100% free, although there is no change in its total amt. Minced nerves will synthesize ACh, and a variable amt. of ACh is synthesized during the extraction of nerves with saline.