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Choline acetyltransferase in bovine pineal gland
P Phansuwan-Pujito1, P Govitrapong, M Ebadi
1Laboratory of Neurobiology, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand.
Journal of Pineal Research
|January 1, 1990
Summary
The bovine pineal gland has muscarinic cholinergic receptors and choline acetyltransferase, suggesting it may receive cholinergic innervation. This research supports the presence of cholinergic transmission in the pineal gland.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The bovine pineal gland has demonstrated muscarinic cholinergic receptors.
- Previous research indicated specific binding characteristics (Kd: 0.423 nM, Bmax: 69.75 fmol/mg protein).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and kinetic properties of choline acetyltransferase in the bovine pineal gland.
- To gather further evidence for potential cholinergic transmission within the pineal gland.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme activity assays were performed to measure choline acetyltransferase.
- Kinetic properties (Km, Vmax) of the enzyme were determined using acetyl CoA and choline as substrates.
Main Results:
- Choline acetyltransferase activity was measured at 0.0339 nmol/mg protein/min.
- Kinetic analysis revealed Km values of 124.86 microM for acetyl CoA and 3.11 mM for choline.
- Vmax values were 0.0598 nmol/mg protein/min for acetyl CoA and 0.0155 nmol/mg protein/min for choline.
Conclusions:
- The identification of both muscarinic cholinergic receptors and functional choline acetyltransferase supports the hypothesis of cholinergic innervation in the bovine pineal gland.
- These findings contribute to understanding the neurochemical mechanisms of the pineal gland.