The hydrolysis of succinyldicholine by cholinesterase

Abstract

The hydrolysis of succinyldicholine by horse serum cholinesterase was studied kinetically and by paper chromatography of the hydrolysis products. A solvent system was found which will effect the separation on filter paper of all 4 of the constitutents of succinyldicholine hydrolysates, i.e. the di- and monocholine esters of succinic acid, free succinic acid and choline. Succinylmono-choline was identified as a constituent of the reaction mixture. Succinic acid does not make its appearance in detectable amts. before 50% hydrolysis. The conclusion that succinyldicholine is hydrolyzed enzymically via succinylmonocholine is confirmed by the diphasic character of the hydrolysis curve and by kinetic studies. The kinetics of such 2-stage enzymic reactions was analysed mathematically.