Studies on the Permeability of Erythrocytes IV. Effect of Certain Choline and Non-Choline Esters on Permeability of Dog Erythrocytes

Abstract

A correlation between the cholinesterase activity of dog erythrocytes and the maintenance of the integrity of the cell was shown by investigating the effects of various substances which are metabolized at different rates on the hemolysis of the cell. Acetylcholine, which is metabolized most readily by cholinesterase, is the most effective in maintaining the cell intact; benzoylcholine, which is not appreciably hydrolyzed. had little effect. The order of effectiveness of the drugs investigated, in maintaining the integrity of the cell as well as the order of the rates at which the drugs are hydrolyzed by cholinesterase (Adams, D. H., Biochem. et Biophys. .Acta. 3: 1, 1949) was as follows: acetylcholine > triacetin > acetyl-beta-methylcholine > ethyl propionate > benzoylcholine.