Erythrocyte membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase in vitamin E deficient rabbits

1. The specific activities of erythrocyte membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7.) and soluble hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1.) in vitamin E deficient and vitamin E sufficient rabbits were investigated. 2. Acetylcholinesterase specific activities values of 43.4 in deficient and 57.4 in sufficient vitamin E rabbits were obtained. Hexokinase specific activity was not modified, and values of 3.31 in deficient and 3.6 in controls were found. 3. No peroxidation process was detected by us on vitamin E deficient diets. 4. These observations would suggest that the membrane stabilizing effect of vitamin E may be accomplished by a mode of action not necessarily related to its ability to prevent lipid peroxidation.