Semimicrotitration device for cholinesterase assay.

A semimicrotitration device for reaction volumes of 0.5 to 2 ml and effective stirring of reaction solution or suspension is described. The principal part of the device is a combined glass electrode functioning as a reaction vessel (combined "cup"-glass electrode).

Properties of acetylcholinesterase and non-specific cholinesterase in rat superior cervical ganglion and plasma.

Amphiphile dependency, solubility in aqueous solutions, and sensitivity to proteolysis of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and nonspecific cholinesterase (nsChE) in the rat superior cervical ganglion were studied and compared to properties of soluble plasma cholinesterases. Ganglion AChE shows strong amphiphile dependency: an amphyphilic substance must be present in the homogenizing medium in order to obtain maximal apparent enzyme activity. Apparent activity of AChE solubilized in Ringer's solution was also increased after subsequent addition of a detergent.