On the Effects of Tannic Acid on Erythrocyte Membrane Acetylcholinesterase

Abstract

Treatment of human erythrocytes with tannic acid caused irreversible inactivation of the surface located acetylcholinesterase (ACHE). This effect was dependent on concentration, time, temperature, and pH. The ACHE inactivation was prevented by albumin but not by coating the cells with blood-group specific antibodies. The enzyme was not affected by the other phenolic compounds tested.