Choline acetyltransferase activity parallels the pressure gradient in the feline pharyngo-esophageal region.
Pressures generated by the pharyngeal constrictor muscles and proximal esophagus involve acetylcholine-induced muscle contractions. We hypothesized that the pharyngo-esophageal pressure gradient is related to choline acetyltransferase activity. In nine anesthetized cats, hypopharyngeal pressure and proximal esophageal pressure were recorded with a solid state transducer assembly. Enzymatic activities in the thyropharyngeus, cricopharyngeus, and proximal esophageal muscles were measured. Hypopharyngeal pressure was higher than the proximal esophagus (p < 0.01), and choline acetyltransferase activity was higher in the cricopharyngeus compared to the proximal esophagus ( p < 0.05). The pressure gradient between the hypopharynx and proximal esophagus may be influenced by the activity of choline acetyltransferase.
Xie
P
P
Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee 53295, USA.
Medda
B
B
Ren
J
J
Mustin
E
E
Shaker
R
R
Koch
T R
TR
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism*; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D011312:Pressure; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000502:physiology
D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase