The molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of acetylcholinesterase in cholinergic neurons.

Abstract

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is responsible for the rapid hydrolysis of acetylcholine into acetic acid and choline, thereby ensuring precise temporal control of synaptic transmission. The role of AChE has been well documented with respect to the neuromuscular junction where it performs this classic function. However, it has recently been discovered that AChE is also expressed in a variety of non-cholinergic tissues such as haematopoietic cells and selected populations of neurons. The role of the enzyme in non-cholinergic neuronal cells is currently unknown and its regulation in this population of cells has been generally overlooked. In this study, we established a cell model to study the developmental and trophic regulation of AChE in neuronal cells. In addition, we examined the regulation of the acetylcholine-synthesizing enzyme, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) to elucidate the relationship between the two cholinergic enzymes. In a first series of experiments, we tested several hybrid cell lines for AChE activity. Next, we examined the developmental regulation of AChE and ChAT using NSC-34 motoneurons. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)