The distribution and metabolism of phosphorus compounds in normal and demyelinating nervous tissue of the chicken

Abstract

The P compounds in spinal cord and sciatic nerve of the chicken were investigated, and the effect of a demyelinating anti-cholinesterase (tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate, TOCP) studied. TOCP in dosage sufficient to cause paralysis, demonstrable demyelination and 80-90% inhibition of pseudo-cholinesterase of cord and nerve in 14 days, does not affect the amount of P in the acid-soluble, phospholipid, and residual fractions. The rates of incorporation of p32 into the 3 fractions were measured, and a comparison made with available data on mammals. The rates appear to be slow in both tissues, and although p32 enters the acid-soluble P fraction of nerve 4-5 times as fast as spinal cord, the rates of incorporation into the phospholipid and residual fractions are similar in both tissues. TOCP, in the dosage used, does not appear to affect the rates of incorporation into the 3 fractions.