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Cellular uptake and subcellular distribution of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides into cultured cells.

A phosphorothioate oligonucleotide that has been employed to inhibit HIV-1 viral expression in chronically infected H9 cells was examined for cellular uptake and subcellular distribution. The relationship between extracellular oligonucleotide concentration and the distribution and accumulation into subcellular organelles is important to the design, potential side effects, and understanding of a therapeutically useful antisense oligonucleotide. These studies employed uptake of both 35S- and fluorescence-labeled phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. Experiments with V79, HeLa, H9, and fresh human peripheral blood monocytes indicate that accumulations of oligonucleotide inside cells exceeds the concentration of oligonucleotide in culture media by over 100 times following 1 h of exposure at 37 degrees C. Uptake is more efficient at low concentrations, suggesting a saturable process. The total oligonucleotide that remains in cells begins to reach a plateau after 45-60 min, indicating either that efflux pathways exist or that uptake is saturable. Subcellular fractionation studies with 35S-labeled phosphorothioate demonstrate the oligonucleotide is sequestered into both the nuclei and the mitochondria of cultured HeLa cells in a time-dependent manner. The subcellular fractionation was examined with fluorescence-labeled phosphorothioate by both confocal and fluorescence microscopy, which confirmed the rate and localization of oligonucleotide into cultured cells. Finally, cellular uptake is not uniform for all cells in a nonsynchronous culture.

Animals↗

Support vector machine approach for protein subcellular localization prediction.

MOTIVATION: Subcellular localization is a key functional characteristic of proteins. A fully automatic and reliable prediction system for protein subcellular localization is needed, especially for the analysis of large-scale genome sequences. RESULTS: In this paper, Support Vector Machine has been introduced to predict the subcellular localization of proteins from their amino acid compositions. The total prediction accuracies reach 91.4% for three subcellular locations in prokaryotic organisms and 79.4% for four locations in eukaryotic organisms. Predictions by our approach are robust to errors in the protein N-terminal sequences. This new approach provides superior prediction performance compared with existing algorithms based on amino acid composition and can be a complementary method to other existing methods based on sorting signals. AVAILABILITY: A web server implementing the prediction method is available at http://www.bioinfo.tsinghua.edu.cn/SubLoc/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary material is available at http://www.bioinfo.tsinghua.edu.cn/SubLoc/.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Prediction of protein subcellular locations by support vector machines using compositions of amino acids and amino acid pairs.

MOTIVATION: The subcellular location of a protein is closely correlated to its function. Thus, computational prediction of subcellular locations from the amino acid sequence information would help annotation and functional prediction of protein coding genes in complete genomes. We have developed a method based on support vector machines (SVMs). RESULTS: We considered 12 subcellular locations in eukaryotic cells: chloroplast, cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, endoplasmic reticulum, extracellular medium, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, mitochondrion, nucleus, peroxisome, plasma membrane, and vacuole. We constructed a data set of proteins with known locations from the SWISS-PROT database. A set of SVMs was trained to predict the subcellular location of a given protein based on its amino acid, amino acid pair, and gapped amino acid pair compositions. The predictors based on these different compositions were then combined using a voting scheme. Results obtained through 5-fold cross-validation tests showed an improvement in prediction accuracy over the algorithm based on the amino acid composition only. This prediction method is available via the Internet.

Algorithms↗

Prediction of protein subcellular locations using fuzzy k-NN method.

MOTIVATION: Protein localization data are a valuable information resource helpful in elucidating protein functions. It is highly desirable to predict a protein's subcellular locations automatically from its sequence. RESULTS: In this paper, fuzzy k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) algorithm has been introduced to predict proteins' subcellular locations from their dipeptide composition. The prediction is performed with a new data set derived from version 41.0 SWISS-PROT databank, the overall predictive accuracy about 80% has been achieved in a jackknife test. The result demonstrates the applicability of this relative simple method and possible improvement of prediction accuracy for the protein subcellular locations. We also applied this method to annotate six entirely sequenced proteomes, namely Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, Oryza sativa, Arabidopsis thaliana and a subset of all human proteins. AVAILABILITY: Supplementary information and subcellular location annotations for eukaryotes are available at http://166.111.30.65/hying/fuzzy_loc.htm

Algorithms↗

Variable subcellular localization of glycosphingolipids.

Although most glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are thought to be located in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, recent evidence indicates that GSLs are also associated with intracellular organelles. We now report that the subcellular localization of GSLs varies depending on the GSL structure and cell type. GSL localization was determined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy of fixed permeabilized cells. A single GSL exhibited variable subcellular localization in different cells. For example, antibody to GalCer is localized primarily to the plasma membrane of HaCaT II-3 keratinocytes, but to intracellular organelles in other epithelial cells. GalCer is localized to small vesicles and tubulovesicular structures in MDCK cells, and to the surface of phase-dense lipid droplets in HepG2 hepatoma cells. Furthermore, within a single cell type, individual GSLs were found to exhibit different patterns of subcellular localization. In HepG2 cells, LacCer was associated with small vesicles, which differed from the phase-dense vesicles stained by anti-GalCer, and Gb4Cer was associated with the intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton. Both anti-GalCer and monoclonal antibody A2B5, which binds polysialogangliosides, localized to mitochondria. The distinct subcellular localization patterns of GSLs raise interesting questions about their functions in different organelles. Together with published data on the enrichment of GSLs in specific organelles and in apical plasma membrane, these findings indicate the existence of specific sorting mechanisms that regulate the intracellular transport and localization of GSLs.

Animals↗

Nitric oxide protects against pancreatic subcellular damage in acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress involvement in damage to the pancreas in acute pancreatitis (AP) is well documented. However, little is known about oxidative damage occurring in the different subcellular fractions of pancreatic cells. The aim of this study was to ascertain the main targets of oxidative damage inside cells after AP and the role of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in it. METHODS: A model of cerulein-induced AP in rats was used and N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) was administered as an NO production inhibitor. After pancreatitis induction, indicative parameters of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation together with some enzymatic and nonenzymatic endogenous free radical scavengers were assessed in serum and pancreatic subcellular fractions. CONCLUSIONS: In pancreatitic rats, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl group concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in serum and some fractions. The increases were higher in l-NAME-treated rats (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were also increased (P < 0.05) but were decreased (P < 0.05) with l-NAME. The alpha-tocopherol concentration diminished (P < 0.05) in serum and all the studied subcellular fractions and the decrease was stronger in l-NAME-treated rats. Our data suggest that microsomes followed by lysosomal + mitochondrial are the fractions most susceptible to oxidative damage in AP. Endogenous NO plays a protective role against oxidative damage to subcellular fractions.

Acute Disease↗

Subcellular localization, abundance and stability of chitin synthetases 1 and 2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The existence of more than one chitin synthetase in fungal cells poses the question of whether these enzymes have similar or different localization. The subcellular distribution of chitin synthetases 1 and 2 (Chs1 and Chs2) was determined in cell-free extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fractionated by sucrose density gradient sedimentation. Chs1 was examined in two strains: ATCC 26109, a wild-type strain, and D3C (MAT alpha ura3-52). Chs2 was investigated in a strain (D3B) freed of Chs1 by gene disruption (MATa his4 ura3-52 chs1::URA3). A prolonged, strong centrifugation (20 h at 265000 g) was necessary to cleanly resolve two major populations of chitin synthetase particles: chitosomes (a population of microvesicles of low buoyant density, d = 1.15 g ml-1) and plasma membrane (a population of vesicles of high buoyant density, d = 1.21 g ml-1). Chs1 and Chs2 were both present in chitosomes and plasma membrane, but the relative distribution of each chitin synthetase in these two membranous populations varied. Chs2 was much less abundant than Chs1 and required Co2+ rather than Mg2+ as a cofactor. A salient finding was the high sensitivity of chitosomal Chs2 to high centrifugal forces. The subcellular distribution of 1,3-beta-glucan synthetase was the same in the three strains studied, i.e. unaffected by the presence or absence of Chs1. Culture conditions affected the profiles of chitin and glucan synthetases: the relative abundance of Chs1 in chitosomes or plasma membrane was quite different in cells grown on two different media but the buoyant density was not affected; in contrast, there was shift in the buoyant density of the two peaks of 1,3-beta-glucan synthetase. We concluded that the subcellular localization of Chs1 and Chs2 remains the same despite genetic and other differences in the properties of these enzymes. We confirmed that 1,3-beta-glucan synthetase and chitin synthetase exhibit a partially different subcellular distribution-an indication that these two enzymes are mobilized through different secretory pathways.

Centrifugation, Density Gradient↗

Subcellular distribution of acetylcholinesterase forms in chromaffin cells. Do chromaffin granules contain a specific secretory acetylcholinesterase?

The presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in chromaffin granules has been controversial for a long time. We therefore undertook a study of AChE molecular forms in chromaffin cells and of their distribution during subcellular fractionation. We characterized four main AChE forms, three amphiphilic forms (Ga1, Ga2 and Ga4), and one non-amphiphilic form (Gna4). Each form shows the same molecular characteristics (sedimentation, electrophoretic migration, lectin interactions) in the different subcellular fractions. All forms are glycosylated and seem to possess both N-linked and O-linked carbohydrate chains. There are differences in the structure of the glycans carried by the different forms, as indicated by their interaction with some lectins. Glycophosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipases C converted the Ga2 form, but not the other amphiphilic forms, into non-amphiphilic derivatives. The distinct patterns of AChE molecular forms observed in various subcellular compartments indicate the existence of an active sorting process. Gna4 was concentrated in fractions of high density, containing chromaffin granules. We obtained evidence for the existence of a lighter fraction also containing chromogranin A, tetrabenazine-binding sites and Gna4 AChE, which may correspond to immature, incompletely loaded granules or to partially emptied granules. The distribution of Gna4 during subcellular fractionation suggested that this form is largely, but not exclusively, contained in chromaffin granules, the membranes of which may contain low levels of the three amphiphilic forms.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Sulfur amino acid metabolism in the developing rhesus monkey brain: subcellular studies of taurine, cysteinesulfinic acid decarboxylase, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and glutamic acid decarboxylase.

Taurine, cysteinesulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD), glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) were measured in subcellular fractions prepared from occipital lobe of fetal and neonatal rhesus monkeys. In addition, the distribution of [35S]taurine in subcellular fractions was determined after administration to the fetus via the mother, to the neonate via administration to the mother prior to birth, and directly to the neonate at various times after birth. CSAD, glutamate, GABA, and GAD all were found to be low or unmeasurable in early fetal life and to increase during late fetal and early neonatal life to reach values found in the mother. Taurine was present in large amounts in early fetal life and decreased slowly during neonatal life, arriving at amounts found in the mother not until after 150 days of age. Significant amounts of taurine, CSAD, GABA, and GAD were associated with nerve ending components with some indication that the proportion of brain taurine found in these organelles increases during development. All subcellular pools of taurine were rapidly labeled by exogenously administered [35S]taurine. The subcellular distribution of all the components measured was compatible with the neurotransmitter or putative neurotransmitter functions of glutamate, GABA, and taurine. The large amount of these three amino acids exceeds that required for such function. The excess of glutamate and GABA may be used as a source of energy. The function of the excess of taurine is still not clear, although circumstantial evidence favors an important role in the development and maturation of the CNS.

Aging↗

Regional localization and subcellular compartmentalization of thyrotropin-releasing hormone in adult human brain.

In the current study, we sought to define the subcellular compartmentalization of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in adult human brain tissues. Upon evaluating tissues (3-24 h post mortem) from 62 humans, ranging in age from 5 to 75 years, we found that TRH was widely distributed throughout the brain. The highest TRH concentration (ng/mg protein) was in the stalk-median eminence region of the hypothalamus (19.3 +/- 3.3, mean +/- SE); the TRH concentration in the hypothalamus, exclusive of the stalk-median eminence, was much lower (1.7 +/- 0.2). Substantial quantities of TRH also were detected in the medulla oblongata (0.26 +/- 0.08), mammillary bodies (0.33 +/- 0.25), and optic chiasm (0.14 +/- 0.07). Lower levels of TRH were found in the amygdala (0.060 +/- 0.015) and the corpus striatum (0.033 +/- 0.010). TRH was near or below the limits of detection in tissues of the cerebral and cerebellar cortices, the olfactory bulbs, the pons, and the hippocampus. When homogenates of medial basal hypothalamic tissue (prepared in 0.32 M sucrose-10 microM CaCl2) were fractionated by means of differential centrifugation, most of the TRH was recovered in subcellular particles which were pelleted at 10,000 X g and which contained the highest amounts of occluded LDH activity. When the nuclei-free supernatant fluid (900 X g S) was fractionated on discontinuous sucrose density gradients or continuous sucrose density gradients, most of the TRH was recovered in subcellular fractions containing synaptosomes. The subcellular distribution of TRH appeared to be stable for up to 24 h post mortem in rat and human brain tissue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Subtype-specific differences in subcellular localization of alpha1-adrenoceptors: chlorethylclonidine preferentially alkylates the accessible cell surface alpha1-adrenoceptors irrespective of the subtype.

Selective inactivation of alpha1B-adrenoceptor (AR) by the site-directed alkylating agent chlorethylclonidine (CEC) has been used as one of major pharmacological criteria to subclassify alpha1-AR; however, the mechanism for the differential CEC sensitivity of the two subtypes is uncertain, and the extent of CEC inactivation varies depending on the treatment employed. In this study, we examined the correlation between the subcellular localization of alpha1-AR subtypes (alpha1A and alpha1B) and CEC sensitivity. Constructing alpha1-AR tagged with the FLAG epitope at the amino terminus and/or green fluorescent protein (GFP) at the carboxyl terminus, we examined the subcellular distribution of alpha1-ARs expressed in COS-7 cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed that most populations of GFP-expressing alpha1B-AR cells, but very few GFP-expressing alpha1A-AR cells, were detected by the anti-amino terminus antibodies. The immunocytochemical and GFP-fluorescence confocal micrographs showed that alpha1A-ARs predominantly localize intracellularly, whereas alpha1B-ARs localize on the cell surface. Furthermore, CEC (10 microM) treatment of intact cells resulted in an inactivation of approximately 42% of alpha1A-ARs and 93% of alpha1B-ARs, whereas treatment of the membrane preparations resulted in an inactivation of approximately 83% of alpha1A-ARs and 88% of alpha1B-ARs, respectively. Together, the results showed that a hydrophilic alkylating agent CEC preferentially inactivates alpha1-AR on the cell surface irrespective of its subtype, and that the subtype-specific subcellular localization rather than the receptor structure is a major determinant for CEC inactivation of alpha1-AR. Subtype-specific subcellular localization suggests an additional class of functional properties that provide new insight into drug action.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

Evaluation of the role of the pneumococcal Forssman antigen (F-polysaccharide) in the cross-serotype protection induced by pneumococcal subcellular preparations.

We tested the hypothesis that the capacity of subcellular preparations of rough pneumococci to give cross-serotype protection is due to the presence of the pneumococcal Forssman antigen (F-polysaccharide). We found by hemagglutination inhibition that the Forssman antigen is present in the subcellular extracts. However, we concluded that the Forssman antigen is not the protective immunogen in the pneumococcal subcellular preparation, since absorption with sheep erythrocytes failed to remove the protective capacity from antiserum raised against the vaccine. Other evidence mitigating against the pneumococcal Forssman antigen being the protective immunogen included the absence of a detectable hemolytic titer in protective antiserum raised against the subcellular preparation, the failure of high-titered sheep hemolysin to passively protect mice against pneumococcal infection, and the failure of purified F-polysaccharide to immunize mice against pneumococcal infection.

Animals↗

Tissue and subcellular distributions of the smg-21/rap1/Krev-1 proteins which are partly distinct from those of c-ras p21s.

We have made a specific antiserum recognizing both smg p21A (the rap1A/Krev-1 protein) and -B (the rap1B protein), ras p21-like GTP-binding proteins having the same putative effector domain as ras p21s and have used this antiserum to study the tissue and subcellular distributions of smg p21s by immunoblot and immunocytochemical analyses. By immunoblot analysis, smg p21s were detected in various rat tissues and at the highest level in brain. By light microscopic immunocytochemical analysis, smg p21s were also detected in various rat tissues. Particularly, smg p21s in brain were found abundantly in the cytoplasmic region of most types of neuronal cell bodies and moderately in neuropil, whereas c-ras p21s were found more abundantly in neuropil than in the cytoplasmic region of most types of neuronal cell bodies. smg p21s in testis were found in spermatogenic cells, in which c-ras p21s were not significantly detected. By subcellular fractionation analysis of cerebrum, smg p21s were detected in all of the particulate fractions but not in the cytosol fraction. Among the particulate fractions, approximately 70% of smg p21s was recovered with the highest specific content in the fraction containing mainly synaptosomes, mitochondria, and myelin. In further fractionation of this fraction, approximately 40% of smg p21s was recovered in each of the synaptosome fraction and the mitochondrial fraction. This subcellular distribution of smg p21s in cerebrum was partly distinct from that of c-ras p21s, which were mainly recovered in the synaptosome and microsome fractions but present at very low levels in the mitochondrial fraction. These tissue and subcellular distributions of smg p 21s together with the fact that smg p21s have the same putative effector domain as ras p21s exert their own specific actions in addition to the actions similar or antagonistic to those of c-ras p21s.

Animals↗

Exercise does not alter subcellular localization, but increases phosphorylation of insulin-signaling proteins in human skeletal muscle.

The subcellular localization of insulin signaling proteins is altered by various stimuli such as insulin, insulin-like growth factor I, and oxidative stress and is thought to be an important mechanism that can influence intracellular signal transduction and cellular function. This study examined the possibility that exercise may also alter the subcellular localization of insulin signaling proteins in human skeletal muscle. Nine untrained males performed 60 min of cycling exercise (approximately 67% peak pulmonary O2 uptake). Muscle biopsies were sampled at rest, immediately after exercise, and 3 h postexercise. Muscle was fractionated by centrifugation into the following crude fractions: cytosolic, nuclear, and a high-speed pellet containing membrane and cytoskeletal components. Fractions were analyzed for protein content of insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and -2, p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). There was no significant change in the protein content of the insulin signaling proteins in any of the crude fractions after exercise or 3 h postexercise. Exercise had no significant effect on the phosphorylation of IRS-1 Tyr612 in any of the fractions. In contrast, exercise increased (P < 0.05) the phosphorylation of Akt Ser473 and GSK-3alpha/beta Ser9/21 in the cytosolic fraction only. In conclusion, exercise can increase phosphorylation of downstream insulin signaling proteins specifically in the cytosolic fraction but does not result in changes in the subcellular localization of insulin signaling proteins in human skeletal muscle. Change in the subcellular protein localization is therefore an unlikely mechanism to influence signal transduction pathways and cellular function in skeletal muscle after exercise.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Changes in subcellular distribution of the ammonia transporter, Rhcg, in response to chronic metabolic acidosis.

The primary mechanism by which the kidneys mediate net acid excretion is through ammonia metabolism. In the current study, we examined whether chronic metabolic acidosis, which increases ammonia metabolism, alters the cell-specific and/or the subcellular expression of the ammonia transporter family member, Rhcg, in the outer medullary collecting duct in the inner stripe (OMCDi). Chronic metabolic acidosis was induced in normal SD rats by HCl ingestion for 7 days; controls were pair-fed. The subcellular distribution of Rhcg was determined using immunogold electron microscopy and morphometric analyses. In intercalated cells, acidosis increased total Rhcg, apical plasma membrane Rhcg, and the proportion of total cellular Rhcg in the apical plasma membrane. Intracellular Rhcg decreased significantly, and basolateral Rhcg was unchanged. Because apical plasma membrane length increased in parallel with apical Rhcg immunolabel, apical plasma membrane Rhcg density was unchanged. In principal cells, acidosis increased total Rhcg, apical plasma membrane Rhcg, and the proportion of total cellular Rhcg in the apical plasma membrane while decreasing the intracellular proportion. In contrast to the intercalated cell, chronic metabolic acidosis did not significantly alter apical boundary length; accordingly, apical plasma membrane Rhcg density increased. In addition, basolateral Rhcg immunolabel increased in response to chronic metabolic acidosis. These results indicate that in the rat OMCDi 1) chronic metabolic acidosis increases apical plasma membrane Rhcg in both the intercalated cell and principal cell where it may contribute to enhanced apical ammonia secretion; 2) increased apical plasma membrane Rhcg results from both increased total protein and changes in the subcellular distribution of Rhcg; 3) the mechanism of Rhcg subcellular redistribution differs in intercalated and principal cells; and 4) Rhcg may contribute to regulated basolateral ammonia transport in the principal cell.

Acidosis↗

Quantification of subcellular glycogen in resting human muscle: granule size, number, and location.

A few qualitative investigations suggested that location of muscle glycogen (G) granules in specific sites may be associated with distinct metabolic roles. Similarly, it has been suggested that the acid-soluble and -insoluble G fractions (macro- and proglycogen, respectively) are different metabolic pools and also could exist as separate entities. We employed a transmission electron microscopic technique to quantify subcellular G particle size, number, and location in human vastus lateralis biopsies of 11 resting men. The intra- and interobserver variability for the various measures was generally <4%. Granule size and number were quantified in subcellular compartments (subsarcolemmal, intra- and intermyofibrillar). Subcellular location was critical: G was more densely concentrated in the subsarcolemmal than in the myofibrillar space, whereas the single-particle volume was greater in the latter. Single-particle diameter ranged from 10 to 44 etam and followed a continuous, normal distribution. This implies that proglycogen is not a distinct entity, but rather that pro- and macroglycogen are divisions of smaller and larger molecules. These results demonstrate a compartmentalized pattern of subcellular G deposition in human skeletal muscle for both the size and density of granules.

Adult↗

Glycolysis-citric acid cycle interrelation: a new approach and some insights in cellular and subcellular compartmentation.

In the development of an integrated approach to study metabolic compartmentation and regulation in brain, we have emphasized the importance, versatility, and need to exploit the recent methodological advances in (1) NMR spectroscopy, (2) primary cultures of neurons and glial cells, and (3) subcellular fractionation (especially brain mitochondrial isolation). The integrated approach has the advantage of being able to draw data and inferences based on some combination of results derived from in vivo, cellular, and subcellular studies. For example, some in vivo NMR data may suggest that an enzymatic step may be rate-limiting in a particular pathway. This information may be used to frame testable hypotheses and questions that can be investigated in experiments involving primary cultures of neural cells and subcellular fractions. Subsequently, the data from such in vitro studies could serve as the bases for constructing the hypothetical framework for predicting the regulatory role, in vivo, of the enzyme in the pathway. We have discussed the known as well as the as yet ill-defined facets of the cellular and subcellular aspects of the glycolysis-citric acid cycle interrelation and have attempted to illustrate how such an integrated approach could be applied to generate testable hypotheses for investigating the mechanisms concerned with metabolic compartmentation and regulation in brain. In the process of the illustration, we discuss some of the evidence in support of the general hypothesis that the transfer of reducing equivalents across the inner mitochondrial membrane plays a major role in mediating the coupling of the glycolytic flux to that of the citric acid cycle. We have given some indications as to how this hypothesis could be further investigated employing our approach. Moreover, we hope that other workers will find this integrated approach useful in designing multidisciplinary studies to investigate mechanistic issues related to this important theme.

Animals↗

Distribution and properties of cholinesterases in subcellular fractions from rat jejunum and heart tissue.

Homogenates of rat jejunum and heart tissue in 0.3 M sucrose have been separated into different subcellular fractions by centrifugation. The distribution of cholinesterases in these two tissues is different. Acetylthiocholine (Ac), propionylthiocholine (Pc), and butyrylthiocholine (Bc) iodides were used as substrates. Using 1 mmol/1 Ac in the presence of hexafluorenium, a local anaesthetic drug, inhibition percentages of these subcellular cholinesterases were found to be different. The differences in the effect of hexafluorenium were most marked at a concentration of 5 mumol/1. Four electrophoretically distinct subcomponents of cholinesterase have been identified in different subcellular fractions from both jejunum and heart tissues. The electrophoretic profile, as determined by polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis, of different subcellular cholinesterases in these two tissues also appears to be different.

Acetylthiocholine↗