A monomeric form of human erythrocyte membrane acetylcholinesterase

Purified detergent solubilized dimeric human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (6.3 S form) was converted to a stable monomeric 3.9 S species when treated with 2-mercaptoethanol and iodoacetic acid. More than 60% of the enzymatic activity were recovered after this treatment. A decreased susceptibility to reduction and alkylation was observed with purified, detergent depleted acetylcholinesterase aggregates. When erythrocyte membranes (ghosts) were subjected to the same treatment, acetylcholinesterase could subsequently be solubilized as monomeric 3.9 S form and and more than 90% of the activity were recovered. Monomeric acetylcholinesterase was less reactive towards antibodies raised against (dimeric) human erythrocyte membrane acetylcholinesterase and towards antibodies against human erythrocyte membranes. The results suggest that acetylcholinesterase is present as dimeric species in human erythrocyte membranes despite the fact that fully active monomers can be obtained.