Abstract
The chemical nerve transmitter, acetylcholine, is thought to be contained in vesicles found in nerve endings. In support of this hypothesis nervous tissue was fractionated; acetylcholine and choline acetylase were found to have a similar distribution in sub-cellular fractions. Acetylcholine binding particles were easily separated from mitochondria by use of equilibrium centrifugation in a density gradient. About half of the bound acetylcholine was released from the particles by mechanical agitation, hypoosmotic media or treatment with cobra venom, while the remaining bound acetylcholine fraction was freed by treatment with organic solvents, acids, supersonic vibrations or a temperature of 35°C. The two types of bound acetylcholine are explained on the basis of a differential type of storage mechanism, one in solution and the other bound to the matrix of the particles by ionic bonds. The significance of the acetylcholine storage particles is discussed.
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