Increase of acetylcholinesterase activity of the cerebrospinal fluid of the rabbit after sciatic nerve stimulation. Its blockade by atropine
Romero-Vecchione, E.; Smith, A.D.
Acta Cientifica Venezolana 36(3-4): 236-242
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5504 PMID: 3837970 Document Number: 248762
Acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) is present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from the cisterna magna of pentobarbital anaesthetized rabbit. Electric stimulation of the sciatic nerve increased AChE activity of the CSF, and this effect was largely antagonized by previous systemic administration of atropine sulphate (e mg/kg) and not by atropine methylnitrate (3 mg/kg). During the experiments CSF pressure and blood pressure showed negligible changes and the blood-brain-barrier remained stable because Evan's blue appeared neither into nervous tissue nor CSF. No changes in the LDH activity of the CSF occurred after sciatic nerve stimulation. In conclusion, the increase of AChE activity induced by peripheral nerve stimulation seems to be mediated by a central cholinergic mechanism.