Effects of acetylcholine on an animal mode of inflammation

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is found both on the membranes of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. In this study we performed intravenous administrations of velnacrine (VLN) and acetylcholine (ACh), respectively, AChE inhibitor and substrate, in an animal model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in Wistar rats. Using intravital microscopy the number of rolling and adherent leukocytes in post-capillary venules was monitorized and blood samples were collected for TNF-α plasma concentrations determination. Our results showed that in presence of LPS, ACh has an anti-inflammatory effect, seen by a decrease in TNF-α plasma levels and maintains the number of rolling and adherent leukocytes. The presence of VLN before LPS almost blocked the LPS-induced rolling and TNF-α releasing. Thereby VLN seems to have, like ACh, an anti-inflammatory effect by diminishing TNF-α concentrations.