title: Influenza vaccination and the activities of plasma acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in institutionalised elderly patients.
abstract: Influenza immunisation was given to 30 elderly institutionalised patients (mean age 80 years) and 16 young volunteers (mean age 27 years). Blood was taken at days 0, 2, 7 and 28. Plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) activities were measured. The activities of both enzymes were lower in the elderly patients compared to the young volunteers (P<0.001); however, influenza vaccination had no effect on either enzyme, in either age group.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Academic Centre, Llandough Hospital, Penarth CF64 2XX, Wales, UK.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Emam
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: O'Mahony
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: El Khatieb
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Woodhouse