A simple radiometric in vitro assay for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

A radiometric method for screening acetylcholinesterase inhibitors has been described. The method is based on the production of [14C]carbon dioxide from the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. The inhibitory concentration at 50% (IC50) values for several known acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were in agreement with literature values. The new radiometric method is simple, inexpensive, and has the potential for automation.