Effect of cholinergic drugs on the activity of basic carboxypeptidases in rat nervous tissue

Abstract

Effects of a single administration of cholinergic drugs (arecoline, atropine, nicotine, mecamylamine) on the activity of carboxypeptidase H and of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride-inhibited carboxypeptidase, which are involved in metabolism of neuropeptides, were studied in brain parts and the adrenal glands of rats. The enzyme activities were determined fluorimetrically using specific inhibitors and substrates. In the majority of cases the enzyme activities decreased, and this decrease was retained for at least 72 h. Changes in the activities of the studied enzymes depended on the type of cholinergic action, the nervous system part, and the time after the injection. The changes in activities of the studied carboxypeptidases are supposed to be a possible mechanism responsible for changes in the levels of neuropeptides under the influence of high doses of the drugs.