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Stability of acetylcholine chloride solution in autonomic testing
David M Sletten1, Kim K Nickander, Phillip A Low
1Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|July 5, 2005
Summary
Acetylcholine (ACh) stability is crucial for autonomic testing. Storing ACh solutions at -20°C or 4°C ensures stability for 84 days, while room temperature storage is limited to 28 days.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Neuroscience
- Autonomic Function Testing
Background:
- Acetylcholine (ACh) is a vital neurotransmitter for sudomotor axon reflex testing.
- The stability of ACh solutions in clinical settings is not well-established.
- Degradation of ACh can impact the accuracy of autonomic function tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the stability of standard acetylcholine (ACh) solutions under various storage conditions.
- To determine optimal storage temperatures and durations for maintaining ACh solution integrity.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical laboratory practices.
Main Methods:
- Standard 0.55 M ACh solutions were stored at -20°C, 4°C, 25°C, and 50°C.
- Samples were analyzed at 10 time points over 84 days.
- ACh and choline levels were quantified using reverse-phase HPLC with electrochemical detection.
Main Results:
- ACh solutions stored at -20°C and 4°C exhibited minimal degradation over 84 days.
- ACh solutions remained stable at 25°C for approximately 28 days, followed by modest breakdown.
- Rapid ACh degradation was observed within 1 day at 50°C.
Conclusions:
- ACh solutions should not be stored at room temperature (25°C) for longer than 28 days.
- Exposure of ACh solutions to elevated temperatures (≥50°C) should be avoided.
- Proper storage conditions are essential for ensuring adequate postganglionic axon stimulation in clinical testing.