Acetylcholinesterase activity in an Aedes aegypti cell line

Considerable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was detected in an Aedes aegypti established cell line. The enzyme is blocked by 10(-6) M eserine sulfate, displays excess substrate inhibition and slowly hydrolyzes butyrylthiocholine. A 2-fold stimulation of AChE activity was shown after 2 days exposure to 3 x 10(-7) M beta-ecdysone. AChE activity found in the fresh medium is the contribution of the fetal calf serum portion. A direct relationship between levels of serum and the AChE activity in the cultured cells was demonstrated.