THE EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM ON THE SYNTHESIS OF ACETYLCHOLINE IN BRAIN

Abstract

The effect of different amts. of K on the synthesis and release of acetylcholine (ACh) by slices of newborn and adult rat brain, under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, was studied. Earlier findings of Mann, Tennenbaum, and Quastel were confirmed, namely that at 7 to 8 X the K+ of normal Locke''s soln. the synthesis of ACh by brain slices in O2 was maximal; at about 12 X K+ the release of ACh was maximal; further increase in K+ resulted in marked inhibition of ACh formation. Infant brain behaved essentially as adult except that all ACh values were lower. Under anaerobic conditions little ACh was synthesized at 0.004 M K+ and at 0.05 M K+ even less. Mann et al., interpreted their results largely on the basis of changes in cell permeability. Recent observations suggest an important role of K+ in carbohydrate metabolism, and that K+ may favor, the formation of phosphate compounds which supply energy for ACh synthesis. More than one action of K+ is probably responsible for its observed effects on ACh formation and release.