Area specific modification of acetylcholinesterase activity following 3 mercaptopionic acid induced seizures

E. GIRARDI; P. G. SCHNEIDER; G. RODRÍGUEZ DE LORES ARNAIZ

Molec. Chem. Neuropathol

Humana Press

Año: 1994 vol. 21 p. 13 - 22

1044-7393

Acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) was assayed in rat CNS membrane fractions after administration of the convulsant 3-mercaptopropionic acid (150 mg/kg, ip). In comparison with saline-injected controls, total AChE activity decreased 12-20% in striatum and cerebellum during seizure and postseizure but failed to change in cerebral cortex. Specific AChE activity, assayed in the presence of 10(-4) M ethopropazine (a butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor), decreased 15-25% in striatum and cerebellum, increased 20-45% in hippocampus, but remained unchanged in cerebral cortex. Saline injection alone increased AChE activity in striatum (68%) and cerebellum (36%) but failed to modify enzyme activity in hippocampus and cerebral cortex. To conclude, AChE sensitivity to convulsant and saline administration is tissue-specific and not restricted to cholinergic areas.