Prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha and acetylcholinesterase activity in the slices of some structures in the cat's brain.

Abstract

Prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha at small concentrations inhibit the acetylcholinesterase activity in slices of caudate nucleus, thalamus and hypothalamus of the cat brain in vitro condition. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) at concentrations of 0.35 microM and 0.70 microM produces a dose-dependent inhibition of acetylcholinsteratse activity in slices of caudate nucleus, thalamus and hypothalamus. Higher concentration of PGE2 (2.1 microM) produces less inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity than smaller concentration of PGE2. The highest concentration of PGE2 (6.3 microM) produces even less inhibition of the same enzyme, which is not significant to the control values of the enzyme activity. Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha ) inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity in slices of thalamus and hypothalamus of the cat brain in a dose-dependent manner. In caudate nucleus the highest concentration of PGF2 alpha produces somewhat less inhibition than smaller concentration of that prostaglandin. These results are discussed in the context of established potentiating effect of small doses of prostaglandins of gross behavioural changes induced by cholinomimetic substances.