Quantitative distributions of different cholinesterases and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by metidathion and paraquat in alimentary canal of common carp.

1. The cholinesterases play an important role in the innervation of organs. The ratio of solubilized to membrane-bound cholinesterase and the quantitative distributions of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase were measured in different segments of the gut of carp (Cyprinus carpio) connected with different types of nerve-muscle synapses in different parts of the alimentary tract. 2. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7.) by the herbicide paraquat and the insecticide metidathion was measured in different parts of the gut of carp. 3. Metidathion and paraquat significantly decreased the activity of acetylcholinesterase in different segments of the alimentary tract of common carp, in a concentration-dependent manner.