The Nature of Rabbit Serum Cholinesterase.

Abstract

Rabbit serum, contrary to previous observations was found to contain only one enzyme which hydrolyzed acetylcholine, and this one had the characteristics of a true cholinesterase, similar to that found in the rabbit erythrocyte. In addition, there was present in rabbit serum an enzyme which hydrolyzed only benzoylcholine, and which, since it did not hydrolyze acetylcholine significantly, should not be labeled a cholinesterase. This enzyme may be similar to the "ben-zoylcholinesterase" described by Sawyer (Science 101: 385. 1945) as being present in guinea pig liver and kidney.