Investigation on the Acetylcholinesterase Activity of Erythrocytes, Platelets and Plasma in Different Animal Species

Abstract

The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of erythrocytes and platelets (as measured by the activity of their respective "ghosts"), and of plasma from various spp. was studied. It was found that as the AChE activity of erythrocytes decreased in the series from man, cow, guinea-pig, horse, rabbit, rat to cat, their respective platelets exhibited increased AChE activity. The plasma of these spp. contained variable amts. of AChE activity, which was not derived from the presumed disintegration of platelets after the blood was drawn. Data on the distr. of AChE between erythrocytes and platelets of the blood of different spp. was discussed, and it was suggested that these results might prove helpful in locating the origin of the platelets.