Rat locomotion and release of acetylcholinesterase

In the substantia nigra acetylcholinesterase is released from the dopamine cells of the pars compacta independent of cholinergic transmission. In this study the effects of local and systemic amphetamine treatment were compared on acetylcholinesterase release in the rat substantia nigra in relation to concomitant behavior. Acetylcholinesterase release, measured "on-line" with a sensitive chemiluminescent system, was enhanced by amphetamine stimulation administered locally and could not be dissociated from simultaneous amphetamine-induced circling behavior. On the other hand, amphetamine administered systemically resulted in a general increase in locomotor behavior followed by a subsequent increase in acetylcholinesterase release. The alternative scenario of an initial rise in acetylcholinesterase release, subsequently followed by enhanced movement, was never seen. Hence, movement can enhance release of acetylcholinesterase from the substantia nigra, whereas "upstream" local nigral events can affect acetylcholinesterase release and movement simultaneously.