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Choline and acetylcholine concentration in transplanted rat heart
The American Journal of Physiology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Transplanted rat hearts show altered acetylcholine levels, particularly in the right ventricle after 8 days. This suggests cardiac transplantation may disrupt nerve pathways supplying this region.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Neurochemistry
- Organ Transplantation
Background:
- Cardiac acetylcholine concentrations exhibit regional variations, mirroring choline acetyltransferase (CAT) activity.
- Understanding neurotransmitter dynamics in transplanted organs is crucial for assessing functional recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify choline and acetylcholine levels in rat hearts post-transplantation.
- To investigate the impact of transplantation and vagotomy on cardiac neurotransmitter concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Liquid chromatography was employed to measure choline and acetylcholine.
- Measurements were taken in four cardiac chambers at 2, 4, and 8 days post-transplantation.
- Unilateral vagotomy was performed to assess nerve integrity.
Main Results:
- Control rat hearts displayed higher acetylcholine in atria than ventricles.
- Acetylcholine levels significantly decreased in the right ventricle 8 days after transplantation.
- Vagotomy led to a 50% reduction in acetylcholine in the severed nerve by 4 days.
Conclusions:
- Transplantation may interrupt postganglionic nerve fibers supplying the right ventricle.
- Acetylcholine preservation, potentially via vesiculation, occurs despite reduced CAT activity.
- Findings suggest a mechanism for acetylcholine maintenance in nonstimulated nerve terminals.