Abstract
Pseudocholinesterase activity (EC 3.1.1.8, PCHE) is present in serum of antarctic species Lobodon carcinophagus, Leptonychotes weddelli, Arctocephalus tropicalis and Aptenodytes fosteri. Compared to humans, enzyme activities were low in these species, activities were more comparable to those of the other carnivora. Dibucaine hydrochloride in concentrations of 0.01 mmol/l inhibited PCHE activity to 100% whereas sodiumfluoride inhibited PCHE in only one crabeater seal by 9%. Under standard conditions fluoride (0.05 mmol/l) activated the enzyme of all investigated species by 27.2% (range: 2.7–82.4%). Average activation was 13% in male seals and 58% in female seals (t=4.06, P=0.02). It is suggested that activation of pseudocholinesterase by fluoride is necessary for antarctic species to warrant neurochemical function controlled by acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7).
Published Version
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