The cytochemical localization of cholinesterase activity in the developing chick heart

The electronhistochemical localization of the cholinesterases of developing chick heart muscle cells has been studied with the aid of a substrate which incorporates an enzyme-susceptible thiolester group and a diazonium group into the same molecule. The embryonic chick heart exhibits cholinesterase activity from Hamilton-Hambruger stage 3 through to four days post hatching. Although enzyme activity is not demonstrated in every location at all stages studied, it has been observed on the nuclear envelope, golgi complex, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and myofilaments. A change in the type of activity has been demonstrated, acetylcholinesterase is found during the first fourteen days of development but thereafter, non-specific cholinesterase is seen instead. As nerves have not been found in relation to the working myocardium, further support is given to the concept that an acetylcholine-cholinesterase system of myogenic origin is involved in spontaneous contraction. Consideration of the distribution of enzyme within the myocardial cell, raises the possibility that cholinesterase may be concerned in a regulatory mechanism of protein synthesis, a suggestion made previously in connection with liver cells.