Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Treating SCA1 Mice with Water-Soluble Compounds to Non-Specifically Boost Mitochondrial Function
Published on: January 22, 2017
Anticholinesterase effects of huperzine A, E2020, and tacrine in rats
1State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.
Aim:
To compare the anticholinesterase effects of huperzine A (Hup A), E2020, and tacrine in rats.
Methods:
Spectrophotometry was used to determine AChE activity in brain and BuChE activity in serum.
Results:
Following intragastric gavage, Hup A, E2020, and tacrine all produced dose-dependent inhibitions of brain AChE. Oral Hup A exhibited a higher inhibition than E2020 and tacrine. Tacrine was more effective in inhibiting serum BuChE correlated with severe peripheral adverse effects. The BuChE activity was less affected by Hup A and E2020. After a single oral dose of Hup A, a relatively steady state of AChE inhibition produced, which was longer than that after E2020 and tacrine. No change in the cholinesterase inhibition was seen for the 3 drugs following repeated i.g. medications.
Conclusion:
Hup A i.g. exhibited a higher efficacy, a longer duration of action, and a more selective inhibition on AChE than E2020 and tacrine.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Reversible inhibitors display short to medium durations of action. Short-acting agents include simple alcohols with...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Mechanism of Action
Reversible inhibitors like edrophonium bind to a specific part of the enzyme called the anionic catalytic site. They form noncovalent bonds, which means they are not strongly attached to the enzyme. This creates a temporary and less stable enzyme–inhibitor complex, leading to...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
Reversible agents containing quaternary amines, such as neostigmine and edrophonium, are not easily absorbed orally because they are...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
At the neuromuscular junction, these agents work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing it to remain bound to the receptor and bind to nearby receptors. This process leads to repetitive firing of the endplate, causing muscle...
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...

