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Cholinesterase from the common prawn (Palaemon serratus) eyes: catalytic properties and sensitivity to organophosphate and carbamate compounds.

The main purpose of this study was to describe the kinetic properties of the cholinesterase (ChE) enzyme present in the eyes of the prawn Palaemon serratus, an abundant, ecological and commercially relevant species of European coastal environments. The obtained results suggest that the studied enzyme is a ChE and not a non-specific esterase, due to its apparent affinity for choline esters and the high sensitivity to eserine sulphate. This ChE displays a distinct preference for the substrate acetylthiocholine, showing a triphasic behaviour, with activation at low concentrations and inhibition by excess of substrate. Moreover, irreversible ChE inhibition by several organophosphate and carbamate compounds was characterized. All the irreversible inhibitions were homogeneous following a second-order rate reaction. The bimolecular rate constant (k(i)) values of ChE inhibition by the tested pesticides were also estimated and compared with available data from other invertebrate and vertebrate species. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that prawn eyes possess only one ChE with typical properties of acetylcholinesterase, which is highly sensitive to the tested anti-cholinesterase compounds.

Acetylthiocholine↗

Twenty years research in cholinesterase biosensors: from basic research to practical applications.

Over the last decades, cholinesterase (ChE) biosensors have emerged as an ultra sensitive and rapid technique for toxicity analysis in environmental monitoring, food and quality control. These systems have the potential to complement or replace the classical analytical methods by simplifying or eliminating sample preparation protocols and making field testing easier and faster with significant decrease in costs per analysis. Over the years, engineering of more sensitive ChE enzymes, development of more reliable immobilization protocols and progress in the area of microelectronics could allow ChE biosensors to be competitive for field analysis and extend their applications to multianalyte screening, development of small, portable instrumentations for rapid toxicity testing, and detectors in chromatographic systems. In this paper, we will review the research efforts over the last 20 years in fabricating AChE biosensors and the recent trends and challenges encounter once the sensor is used outside research laboratory for in situ real sample applications. The review will discuss the generations of cholinesterase sensors with their advantages and limitations, the existing electrode configurations and fabrication techniques and their applications for toxicity monitoring. We will focus on low-cost electrochemical sensors and the approaches used for enzyme immobilization. Recent works for achieving high sensitivity and selectivity are also discussed.

Biosensing Techniques↗

Inhibition of two different cholinesterases by tacrine.

Kinetic parameters of the effect of tacrine as a cholinesterase inhibitor have been studied in two different sources: snake venom (Bungarus sindanus) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and human serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Tacrine inhibited both venom acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as well as human serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in a concentration-dependent manner. Kinetic studies indicated that the nature of inhibition was mixed for both enzymes, i.e. Km values increase and Vmax decrease with the increase of the tacrine concentration. The calculated IC50 for snake venom and for human serum were 31 and 25.6 nM, respectively. Ki was observed to be 13 nM for venom acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and 12 nM for serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). KI (constant of AChE-ASCh-tacrine complex into AChE-ASCh complex and tacrine) was estimated to be 20 nM for venom and 10 nM for serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), while the gammaKm (dissociation constant of AChE-ASCh-tacrine complex into AChE-tacrine complex and ASCh) were 0.086 and 0.147 mM for snake venom AChE and serum BChE, respectively. The present results suggest that this therapeutic agent used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease can also be considered an inhibitor of snake venom and human serum butyrylcholinesterase. Values of Ki and KI show that tacrine had more affinity with these enzymes as compared with other cholinesterases from the literature.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Importance of cholinesterase kinetic parameters in environmental monitoring using estuarine fish.

The aim of the present study was to determine the kinetic parameters and cholinesterase (ChE) activity in two teleost fish, the white mouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri (Scianidae) and the Madamango sea catfish Cathorops spixii (Ariidae), to verify their suitability as sentinel species of aquatic pollution by anticholinergic compounds. Individuals of each species were captured in one reference and one polluted site in the Southern Brazilian coast. Brain tissue was used as enzyme source. Inhibition kinetic parameters indicated that ChE from C. spixii collected at the reference site showed more affinity (Ka) for eserine that from those collected at the polluted site. The opposite was observed for the carbamylation constants (Kc). Thus, similar inhibition constants (Ki) were observed. M. furnieri brain showed an extremely low sensitivity to in vitro inhibition by eserine, indicating that it is not a suitable biomarker to be employed in environmental monitoring of anticholinergic compounds. Results from the present study also point to the need for considering kinetic analysis when cholinesterase activity is employed as a biomarker.

Animals↗

Characterization of the cholinesterases present in head tissues of the estuarine fish Pomatoschistus microps: application to biomonitoring.

In recent years biomarkers have been widely used for the assessment of effects and/or exposure to environmental contaminants. One of the most frequently used biomarkers is the inhibition of cholinesterases (ChE), which is a useful indicator of organophosphate and carbamate exposure and/or effects. Recent studies indicated that more than one ChE may be present in tissues of fish and that different forms may vary in their sensitivity to anticholinesterase agents. Cholinesterase activity of the juvenile of the common goby (Pomatoschistus microps), a widespread fish in estuaries of the Atlantic coast of northwestern Europe, was characterized using four substrates (acetylthiocholine iodide, acetyl-beta-metylthiocholine iodide, propionylthiocholine iodide, and S-butyrylthiocholine iodide) and three ChE inhibitors (eserine sulfate, BW284C51, and iso-OMPA) in different tissues of the fish head. In addition, the range of ChE activity that may be considered as "normal" for non-exposed P. microps was determined. The results suggest the presence of two types of ChE in the whole-head homogenate. The present study underscores the relevance of ChE characterization before its use as a biomarker in biomonitoring studies.

Animals↗

Changes of cholinesterase activities in the plasma and some tissues following administration of L-carnitine and galanthamine to rats.

Changes of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in the hypophysis and brain (frontal cortex, hippocampus, medial septum and basal ganglia), and butyrylcholinesterase in plasma and liver following galanthamine (GAL) administration were studied in rats pretreated with L-carnitine (CAR). Following only GAL administration (10 mg/kg, i.m.), both cholinesterases (without clinical symptoms of GAL overdosage) were significantly inhibited. Pretreatment with CAR (3 consecutive days, 250 mg/kg, p.o.) followed by GAL administration showed higher AChE inhibition in comparison with single GAL administration. However, a statistically significant difference was observed for AChE in the hippocampus only. The activity of peripheral cholinesterases was not influenced by CAR pretreatment. Thus, pretreatment with CAR enhanced AChE inhibition in some brain parts of the rat following GAL administration.

Animals↗

Comparative studies of huperzine A, E2020, and tacrine on behavior and cholinesterase activities.

Comparative effects of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) huperzine A with E2020 and tacrine on the radial maze performance in ethylcholine mustard aziridinium ion (AF64A)-treated rat and inhibition of cholinesterase activity were studied. The intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of AF64A (3 nmol/side) caused significant impairment in the rat's ability to fulfill the partially baited maze paradigm. Oral huperzine A (0.5-0.8 mg/kg), E2020 (1.0-2.0 mg/kg), and tacrine (8.0 mg/kg) effectively reversed AF64A-induced working memory deficit. The doses that improved AF64A-induced memory deficit were correlated to about 25-30% (huperzine A) and less than 10% (E2020, tacrine) inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the cortex and hippocampus. Huperzine A, E2020 and tacrine all produced dose-dependent inhibition of brain AChE following i.c.v. and oral administration. Oral huperzine A exhibited higher efficacy on the inhibition of AChE in the cortex and hippocampus than those of E2020 and tacrine. Tacrine was more effective in inhibiting plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) than it was brain AChE. Conversely, the BuChE activity was less affected by huperzine A and E2020. The results showed that huperzine A had high bioavailability and more selective inhibition on AChE activity in cortex and hippocampus. Huperzine A fits more closely with the established criteria for an ideal AChE inhibitor to be used in clinical studies.

Alkaloids↗

Peripheral cholinesterase inhibition by occupational chlorpyrifos exposure in Australian termiticide applicators.

Occupational exposure to organophosphorus insecticides (OPs), such as chlorpyrifos, may be monitored by the measurement of the activity of peripheral cholinesterase (ChE) enzymes, including erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (EAChE) and serum cholinesterase (SChE). Lymphocyte neuropathy target esterase (NTE) is thought to have potential as a predictor of organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN). This paper describes work performed in 39 Australian pest control operators (PCOs) exposed to a termiticide containing chlorpyrifos, and 34 unexposed control subjects. EAChE activities in PCOs did not differ from those of unexposed control workers. Mean NTE activity was slightly higher in PCOs than in controls and mean SChE was 52% of control activity. These results indicate that exposure of Australian PCOs to termiticides containing chlorpyrifos may be monitored using SChE but not EAChE or NTE, and that workers in this industry have sufficiently high OP exposure to significantly depress SChE activity. SChE inhibition of 70-80% may be associated with symptoms. Although no current symptoms were reported to be associated with occupational OP exposure, these workers may be at increased risk of acute effects following inadvertent spills or self-contamination due to their background level of exposure to OPs. While it is preferable to compare ChE enzyme activities between pre- and post-exposure periods to evaluate OP-related effects in individuals, in some cases there is an absence of pre-exposure data. The results of this study suggest that a screening value for SChE of 550 nmol/min/ml in a single blood sample may be useful to identify potentially OP-exposed individuals in the Australian population. Australian control subjects were similar with respect to EAChE, but displayed activities of NTE and SChE approximately 50 and 23% lower than an unexposed UK reference group. While these comparisons are presently speculative, they suggest that there may be differences in SChE and NTE activities in control populations of the two countries. The routine treatment of Australian homes with termiticides containing OPs, or differences in the availability and use of domestic OP-containing insecticides may explain these population differences. Further work is required to examine whether these differences are real, and if so their likely cause.

Australia↗

Quantitative distributions of different cholinesterases and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by metidathion and paraquat in alimentary canal of common carp.

1. The cholinesterases play an important role in the innervation of organs. The ratio of solubilized to membrane-bound cholinesterase and the quantitative distributions of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase were measured in different segments of the gut of carp (Cyprinus carpio) connected with different types of nerve-muscle synapses in different parts of the alimentary tract. 2. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7.) by the herbicide paraquat and the insecticide metidathion was measured in different parts of the gut of carp. 3. Metidathion and paraquat significantly decreased the activity of acetylcholinesterase in different segments of the alimentary tract of common carp, in a concentration-dependent manner.

Animals↗

Cytogenetic response without changes in peripheral cholinesterase enzymes following exposure to a sheep dip containing diazinon in vivo and in vitro.

Occupational exposure to organophosphorus insecticides (OPs), such as diazinon, may be monitored by the measurement of the activity of peripheral cholinesterase enzymes, including erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (EAChE) and plasma or serum cholinesterase (plasma or serum ChE). Exposures have also been measured by the analysis of dialkyl phosphate metabolites of OPs in urine. The potential health risks associated with exposure, especially those of a neurological nature, may then be estimated, and appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate exposures can be implemented. There is evidence that some OP pesticides may have in vivo genotoxic effects, suggesting a possible link with cancer with long term or repeated heavy exposures. This paper describes work performed in 17 subjects with a single or two exposures to a sheep dip containing diazinon. Urine samples revealed OP metabolites dimethylphosphate (DMP), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), diethylphosphate (DEP) and diethylthiophosphate (DETP) in 37% of subjects at low levels which were not elevated after exposure. EAChE and plasma ChE were also unchanged before and after exposure, and were similar to those measured in unexposed control groups. Sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), a marker of chromosome damage, was significantly elevated in peripheral blood lymphocytes after exposure compared with before. SCE were unchanged in a group of non-occupationally exposed workers. In vitro studies with both authentic diazinon (98%) and diazinon in a sheep dip formulation (45%) showed increased SCE and decreased replicative indices, suggesting toxic and genotoxic effects of diazinon.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Effects of cholinesterase inhibiting sage (Salvia officinalis) on mood, anxiety and performance on a psychological stressor battery.

Salvia officinalis (sage) has previously been shown both to possess in vitro cholinesterase inhibiting properties, and to enhance mnemonic performance and improve mood in healthy young participants. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 30 healthy participants attended the laboratory on three separate days, 7 days apart, receiving a different treatment in counterbalanced order on each occasion (placebo, 300, 600 mg dried sage leaf). On each day mood was assessed predose and at 1 and 4 h postdose. Each mood assessment comprised completion of Bond-Lader mood scales and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after 20 min performance of the Defined Intensity Stress Simulator (DISS) computerized multitasking battery. In a concomitant investigation, an extract of the sage leaf exhibited dose-dependent, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and, to a greater extent, butyrylcholinesterase. Both doses of sage led to improved ratings of mood in the absence of the stressor (that is, in pre-DISS mood scores) postdose, with the lower dose reducing anxiety and the higher dose increasing 'alertness', 'calmness' and 'contentedness' on the Bond-Lader mood scales. The reduced anxiety effect following the lower dose was, however, abolished by performing the DISS, with the same dose also being associated with a reduction of alertness during performance. Task performance on the DISS battery was improved for the higher dose at both postdose sessions, but reduced for the lower dose at the later testing session. The results confirm previous observations of the cholinesterase inhibiting properties of S. officinalis, and improved mood and cognitive performance following the administration of single doses to healthy young participants.

Adult↗

Oxime reactivation of erythrocyte cholinesterase inhibited by ethyl p-nitrophenyl ethylphosphonate.

1. Reactivation of erythrocyte cholinesterase inhibited by ethyl p-nitrophenyl ethylphosphonate (armine) was studied with NN'-dimethylenebis-(4-hydroxy-iminomethylpyridinium bromide) (C(2)-oxime), NN'-trimethylenebis-(4-hydroxy-iminomethylpyridinium bromide) (C(3)-oxime), NN'-tetramethylene-(4-hydroxy-iminomethylpyridinium bromide) (C(4)-oxime) and NN'-pentamethylenebis-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium bromide) (C(5)-oxime) as reactivators. The kinetics of reactivation were consistent with a reaction of the type: [Formula: see text] and bimolecular rate constants for reactivation were calculated from the corresponding differential equations. 2. Of the four oximes studied C(2)-oxime was least effective and the other three oximes were about equally effective reactivators. 3. Reactivation of armine-inhibited cholinesterase by C(3)-oxime was also studied in the presence of substrate. This reaction was first-order with respect to inhibited enzyme, and slower than in the absence of substrate.

Animals↗

The kinetics of inhibition of erythrocyte cholinesterase by monomethylcarbamates.

1. The kinetics of the interaction of erythrocyte cholinesterase with 1-naphthyl N-methylcarbamate, 2-isopropoxyphenyl N-methylcarbamate and phenyl N-methylcarbamate were studied. Rate constants for inhibition and rate constants for spontaneous reactivation were determined. The calculated rate constants for spontaneous reactivation agreed well with those obtained experimentally. 2. The degree of inhibition obtained after preincubation of enzyme and inhibitor was found to be independent of both the substrate concentration and the dilution of the inhibited enzyme. 3. The reaction between the enzyme and the inhibitor was consistent with carbamates being regarded as poor substrates of cholinesterases. There was no evidence for the formation of a reversible complex between the enzyme and the carbamate.

Animals↗

Presence of cholinesterases in Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices.

Cholinesterases were detected in protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus spectrophotometrically and electrophoretically. To characterize these activities as acetylcholinesterases or pseudocholinesterases, BW284C51 and the organophosphate anthelmintic Neguvón were assayed as specific inhibitors of acetylcholinesterases, while Iso-OMPA was employed as specific inhibitor of pseudocholinesterases. We concluded that these cholinesterase (ChE) activities would be considered as possible targets in chemotherapy.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Poverty, production, and health: inhibition of erythrocyte cholinesterase via occupational exposure to organophosphate insecticides in Chiapas, Mexico.

Occupational exposure to organophosphate pesticides and its effects on the concentration of erythrocyte cholinesterase in the rural population of Chiapas, Mexico, are described. The authors surveyed agricultural production and pesticide use was surveyed among 199 campesinos (peasants) in three communities that used various agricultural production systems. The authors measured the concentration of the cholinesterase enzyme in blood samples obtained from 65 campesinos before and after exposure to the insecticide. The authors established a comparison value for the population that was not exposed occupationally. The exposure values of the enzyme concentration were significantly lower than preexposure values (p = .00001) and reference group values (p = .0008). Individuals in the community characterized by subsistence production had significantly lower levels of the enzyme than individuals in the other two communities (p = .01). This result suggested that a greater risk of adverse health effects existed among the poorest communities.

Adolescent↗

Detection of incipient effects of anticholinesterase insecticides in rats and humans by electromyography and cholinesterase assay.

Rats, fed low levels of diazinon (0.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) and parathion (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) daily for 26 weeks, and agricultural workers chronically exposed to anticholinesterase insecticides, were monitored by electromyographic (EMG) and blood cholinesterase determinations. The two diazinon-fed and the highest parathion-fed groups of rats gained less weight, whereas the lowest parathion-fed group gained more weight than the control; rats fed 0.5 mg/kg parathion daily did not show any difference in weight gain when compared to the control. In addition, the two diazinon-fed groups of rats gained significantly less weight than the three parathion-fed groups. Both erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activities were severely inhibited in the treated groups. However, parathion inhibited ChE much less than diazinon, and slight recovery of both enzymes was evident in the parathion-treated groups. No changes in amplitudes of EMGs were observed in the treated rats. Agricultural workers were examined monthly during one growing season. Although there was high variation in the data, EMG amplitudes and AChE levels were lower in the workers than in persons not exposed to pesticides; ChE levels were statistically different only once. These results have demonstrated that the rat is not suitable for investigating the use of EMG as a method for monitoring exposure to anticholinesterase insecticides, but that EMG (or AChE) may be used to monitor such exposures in humans.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Characterization and use of the total head soluble cholinesterases from mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) for screening of anticholinesterase activity.

Inhibition of cholinesterases (ChE) has been widely used as an environmental biomarker of exposure to organophosphates (OP) and carbamate (CB) pesticides. Different ChE isoforms may be present in the same tissue and may present distinct sensitivities towards environmental contaminants. The present work characterises the soluble ChE present in mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) total head homogenates, through the use of different substrates and selective inhibitors of cholinesterasic activity. Furthermore, the effects of sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) on the enzymatic activity were investigated, both in vivo and in vitro. These results showed that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) seemed to be the predominant form present in head homogenates of G. holbrooki, despite the inhibition by tetraisopropylpyrophosphoramide (iso-OMPA) found at high concentrations. SDS was responsible for in vitro, but not in vivo, inhibitory effects. The in vitro AChE inhibitory effects of SDS was partially prevented by the use of increasing amounts of ethanol, suggesting that the inhibition was induced by an emulsion effect, which may explain the lack of effect in vivo.

Animals↗

Validation of a whole blood method for cholinesterase monitoring.

Traditional cholinesterase monitoring methods requiring several milliliters of blood are too invasive for prolonged routine monitoring. After several years' experience with a whole blood method requiring only 50 microL of blood for each test, a statistical evaluation of 1 year's monitoring data was undertaken to determine the normal variation of the test procedures. The results showed excellent sensitivity and reproducibility. On the basis of these data and other obvious advantages, this method is recommended as a more acceptable procedure for cholinesterase monitoring in field situations as well as plant settings.

Analysis of Variance↗