Distribution of AChE in cholinergic and non-cholinergic neurons.
Intracellular and surface acetylcholinesterase activities were determined for individual cholinergic and non-cholinergic neurons dissected from the central nervous system of the leech. Echothiophate pretreatment was used to inhibit selectively extracellular enzyme. Cells releasing acetylcholine as a transmitters had approximately 10-fold higher levels of intracellular acetylcholinesterase activity, while all neurons had similar levels of activity associated with the cell surface. These results suggest that intracellular cholinesterase may be a useful marker for cholinergic neurons.
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000201:enzymology*; D002799:Cholinergic Fibers / Q000201:enzymology*; D007865:Leeches; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000201:enzymology; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000201:enzymology; D009474:Neurons / Q000201:enzymology; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000201:enzymology
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase