Ligand selectivity for the acetylcholine binding site of the rat alpha4beta2 and alpha3beta4 nicotinic subtypes investigated by molecular docking

The homology models of the extracellular domains of the neuronal alpha4beta2 (pdb code: 1ole) and ganglionic alpha3beta4 (pdb code: 1olf) rat nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes were refined and energetically minimized. In this work, a series of nAChR ligands (1-15) were docked into the modeled binding cavity of both receptors. High-affinity, toxic ligands such as epibatidine (1) and dechloroepibatidine (2) docked into cluster 1 with the charged tertiary amino group, forming a pi-cation interaction with Trp 147 on the (+) side of the alpha4 subunit and establishing a characteristic H-bond with the Lys 77 on the (-) side of the beta2 subunit. The nontoxic ligands such as 33bMet (3), (S)-A-85380 (4), and acetylcholine (6) docked into cluster 2 with the same pi-cation interaction but with the rest of the molecule occupying a different moiety of the binding pocket. Molecular docking into the alpha3beta4 subtype showed that both enantiomers of 1 (1a and 1b) are representative templates for ligands with affinity toward this ganglionic nAChR subtype. The ranking scores of the docked molecules confirm the existence of structure-dependent subtype selectivity and shed light on the design of specific and selective alpha4beta2 nAChR subtype ligands.

Electrosynthesized poly(pyrrole)/poly(2-naphthol) bilayer membrane as an effective anti-interference layer for simultaneous determination of acethylcholine and choline by a dual electrode amperometric biosensor

Several neural diseases appear related to the neurotransmitter acethylcholine (ACh) and its metabolite choline (Ch) brain levels so that their simultaneous determination is essential. A cross-talk and interference free dual electrode amperometric biosensor for the simultaneous determination of both analytes has been developed. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline oxidase (ChO) were immobilized by glutaraldehyde co-crosslinking with bovine serum albumin. A very efficient rejection of electroactive interferents has been achieved by a novel electrosynthesized polymeric bilayer membrane composed by overoxidised poly(pyrrole) and poly(2-naphthol) films. Sensitivities towards several electroactive interferents ranged from ca. 0.04% (e.g. ascorbate) to ca. 0.3% (e.g. dopamine) of those relevant to ACh and Ch (11 and 15 microA/microM, respectively). Detection limits (at S/N=3) in flow injection analysis were ca. 100 nM for both ACh and Ch at the ChO-AChE electrode and ca. 40 nM for Ch at the ChO sensor. Biosensor performances appear more than adequate for brain tissue homogenates and cerebrospinal fluids analysis where average levels in the low micromolar range are typically found.

Mutational and pH analysis of ionic residues in transmembrane domains of vesicular acetylcholine transporter

This research investigated the roles of 7 conserved ionic residues in the 12 putative transmembrane domains (TMDs) of vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). Rat VAChT in wild-type and mutant forms was expressed in PC12(A123.7) cells. Transport and ligand binding were characterized at different pH values using filter assays. The ACh binding site is shown to exhibit high or low affinity (K(d) values are approximately 10 and 200 mM, respectively). Mutation of the lysine and aspartate residues in TMDs II and IV, respectively, can decrease the fraction of sites having high affinity. In three-dimensional structures of related transporters, these TMDs lie next to each other and distantly from TMDs VIII and X, which probably contain the binding sites for ACh and the allosteric inhibitor vesamicol. Importantly, mutation of the aspartate in TMD XI can create extra-high affinities for ACh (K(d) approximately 4 mM) and vesamicol (K(d) approximately 2 nM compared to approximately 20 nM). Effects of different external pH values on transport indicate a site that must be protonated (apparent pK(a) approximately 7.6) likely is the aspartate in TMD XI. The observations suggest a model in which the known ion pair between lysine in TMD II and aspartate in TMD XI controls the conformation or relative position of TMD XI, which in turn controls additional TMDs in the C-terminal half of VAChT. The pH effects also indicate that sites that must be unprotonated for transport (apparent pK(a) approximately 6.4) and vesamicol binding (apparent pK(a) approximately 6.3) remain unidentified.

Initial coupling of binding to gating mediated by conserved residues in the muscle nicotinic receptor

We examined functional consequences of intrasubunit contacts in the nicotinic receptor alpha subunit using single channel kinetic analysis, site-directed mutagenesis, and structural modeling. At the periphery of the ACh binding site, our structural model shows that side chains of the conserved residues alphaK145, alphaD200, and alphaY190 converge to form putative electrostatic interactions. Structurally conservative mutations of each residue profoundly impair gating of the receptor channel, primarily by slowing the rate of channel opening. The combined mutations alphaD200N and alphaK145Q impair channel gating to the same extent as either single mutation, while alphaK145E counteracts the impaired gating due to alphaD200K, further suggesting electrostatic interaction between these residues. Interpreted in light of the crystal structure of acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) with bound carbamylcholine (CCh), the results suggest in the absence of ACh, alphaK145 and alphaD200 form a salt bridge associated with the closed state of the channel. When ACh binds, alphaY190 moves toward the center of the binding cleft to stabilize the agonist, and its aromatic hydroxyl group approaches alphaK145, which in turn loosens its contact with alphaD200. The positional changes of alphaK145 and alphaD200 are proposed to initiate the cascade of perturbations that opens the receptor channel: the first perturbation is of beta-strand 7, which harbors alphaK145 and is part of the signature Cys-loop, and the second is of beta-strand 10, which harbors alphaD200 and connects to the M1 domain. Thus, interplay between these three conserved residues relays the initial conformational change from the ACh binding site toward the ion channel.

Electrochemical Study of Ion Transfer of Acetylcholine Across the Interface of Water and a Lipid-Modified 1,2-Dichloroethane

The ion transfer of acetylcholine (AcH(+)) ions across the unmodified and phospholipid-modified water|1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) interface has been studied by means of square-wave and cyclic voltammetry, as well as by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. After being transferred in the organic phase, the AcH(+) ions undergo chemical reactions with the phospholipids. The overall behavior of the experimental system studied in the presence of phospholipids has been compared with the theoretical results of an ECrev reaction. The kinetic parameters of the chemical interactions between AcH(+) and the phospholipids have been determined from the voltammetric and impedance measurements. Additional characterization of those interactions has been made by using the surface tension measurements.

Isoosmotic isolation of rat brain synaptic vesicles, some of which contain tyrosine hydroxylase

Rat brain synaptic vesicles were isoosmotically isolated and examined for Mg(2+)-ATPase [EC 3.6.1.3.] and tyrosine hydroxylase [EC 1.14.16.2.] associated with the synaptic vesicles. Synaptosomes in 0.32 M sucrose were disrupted by freezing and thawing treatment, and the cytosol fraction was fractionated on a Sephacryl S-500 column with a mean exclusion size of 200 nm. Peak I at the void volume was a mixture of large vesicular membranes, small amounts of synaptic vesicles and coated vesicles, etc. Peak II consisted of non- and granulated synaptic vesicles of 35-40 nm diameter, and peak III of soluble proteins. The synaptic vesicles in peak II reacted with antibodies against the H(+)-ATPase A-subunit, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and vesicular monoamine transporter. However, they showed little Mg(2+)-ATPase activity. Tyrosine hydroxylase was observed in either peak II or III on blotting with an anti-tyrosine hydroxylase antibody. These results imply that tyrosine hydroxylase exists in soluble and bound forms to synaptic vesicles in nerve terminals.

Amplification of Acetylcholine-Binding Catenanes from Dynamic Combinatorial Libraries

Directed chemical synthesis can produce a vast range of molecular structures, but the intended product must be known at the outset. In contrast, evolution in nature can lead to efficient receptors and catalysts whose structures defy prediction. To access such unpredictable structures, we prepared dynamic combinatorial libraries in which reversibly binding building blocks assemble around a receptor target. We selected for an acetylcholine receptor by adding the neurotransmitter to solutions of dipeptide hydrazones [proline-phenylalanine or proline-(cyclohexyl)alanine], which reversibly combine through hydrazone linkages. At thermodynamic equilibrium, the dominant receptor structure was an elaborate [2]-catenane consisting of two interlocked macrocyclic trimers. This complex receptor with a 100 nM affinity for acetylcholine could be isolated on a preparative scale in 67% yield.

Structural insights and functional implications of choline acetyltransferase

The biosynthetic enzyme for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) (E.C. 2.3.1.6), is essential for the development and neuronal activities of cholinergic systems involved in many fundamental brain functions. ChAT catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-coenzyme A to choline to form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Since its discovery more than 60 years ago much research has been devoted to the kinetic studies of this enzyme. For the first time we report the crystal structure of rat ChAT (rChAT) to 1.55 A resolution. The structure of rChAT is a monomer and consists of two domains with an interfacial active site tunnel. This structure, with the modeled substrate binding, provides critical insights into the molecular basis for the production of acetylcholine and may further our understanding of disease causing mutations.

Hydrogen-Bond Accepting Strength of Protonated Nicotine

Recent crystal structures of nicotine bound to the acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) ended a long debate confirming that the pyridine nitrogen of nicotine is indeed hydrogen-bonded to receptor residues through a bridging water molecule. Here, we describe the first direct experimental evaluation of the hydrogen-bond affinity of the nicotinium pyridine nitrogen. The equilibrium constant of its association with a phenol is 1 order of magnitude greater than the association of the acetylcholine carbonyl oxygen.

Polyspecific cation transporters mediate luminal release of acetylcholine from bronchial epithelium

In airway epithelia, non-neuronal cholinergic regulations have been described; however, the route for acetylcholine (ACh) release has not been verified. To investigate whether organic cation transporters (OCTs) serve this function, we studied the expression of OCTs in airway epithelia and their capability to translocate ACh. Using immunohistochemistry in rats and humans, OCT1, OCT2, and OCT3 were localized to the luminal membrane of ciliated epithelial cells. In humans, OCT2 showed the strongest expression in the luminal membrane. We expressed the OCT isoforms in oocytes of Xenopus laevis and measured uptake and efflux of ACh. Tracer flux measurements showed that ACh is transported by OCT1 and OCT2 but not by OCT3. Two-electrode-voltage-clamp measurements revealed that OCT2 mediates electrogenic uptake and efflux of ACh. For ACh uptake by human OCT2, a K(M) value of approximately 0.15 mM was determined. At -50 mV, ACh efflux by human OCT2 was trans-inhibited by micromolar concentrations of the inhalational glucocorticoid budesonide, which is used in treatment of asthma (K(i) approximately 2.7 microM). The data show that OCT1 and OCT2 mediate luminal ACh release in human airways and suggest that ACh release is blocked after inhalation of budesonide.

Stability of acetylcholine chloride solution in autonomic testing

Acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter used as an agent to evoke a sudomotor axon reflex response in autonomic testing. Adequate stimulus of postganglionic axons requires ACh solutions to be stable, but its stability in the clinical laboratory is uncertain. We evaluated the stability of standard (0.55 M) ACh solutions stored at temperatures of -20 degrees C, 4 degrees C, 25 degrees C, and 50 degrees C for 10 time points between 0 and 84 days. ACh and choline (Ch) were measured by reverse-phase HPLC with electrochemical detection using an Acetylcholine/Choline Assay Kit. Linear regressions of ACh and Ch standards were used to calculate the levels in the stored samples. The inherent levels of Ch were used as the internal standard. Regression analyses were used to examine the effects of length of storage and temperature. The samples of ACh stored at -20 degrees C and 4 degrees C showed an extremely small breakdown over the 84-day period and had no evidence to show the regression lines differed. ACh solution stored at 25 degrees C was stable for about 28 days, after such time, modest breakdown occurs. At a temperature of 50 degrees C, ACh showed a rapid breakdown after 1 day. We conclude ACh solution should not be stored at room temperature for more than 28 days and should not be exposed to higher temperatures to assure an adequate axon stimulus.

Choline is transported by vesicular acetylcholine transporter

Previously published results appeared to show that vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) does not transport choline (Ch). Because it is uniquely suited to detect transport of weakly bound substrates, a recently developed assay that detects transmembrane reorientation of the substrate binding site was used to re-examine transport selectivity. Rat VAChT was expressed in PC12(A1237) cells, postnuclear supernatant-containing microvesicles was prepared, and the reorientation assay was conducted with unlabeled Ch and tetramethylammonium (TMA). Also, [(14)C]Ch and [(3)H]acetylcholine (ACh) were used in an optimized accumulation assay. The results demonstrate that Ch is transported at least as well as ACh is, but with sevenfold lower affinity. Even TMA is transported, but with 26-fold lower affinity. Ch transport by VAChT is of interest in view of the possibilities that Ch (i) occurs at higher concentration than ACh does in terminal cytoplasm under some conditions, and (ii) is an agonist for alpha 7 nicotinic receptors.

The Drosophila acetylcholine receptor subunit D alpha5 is part of an alpha-bungarotoxin binding acetylcholine receptor

The central nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster contains an alpha-bungarotoxin-binding protein with the properties expected of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. This protein was purified 5800-fold from membranes prepared from Drosophila heads. The protein was solubilized with 1% Triton X-100 and 0.5 M sodium chloride and then purified using an alpha-cobratoxin column followed by a lentil lectin affinity column. The purified protein had a specific activity of 3.9 micromol of 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin binding sites/g of protein. The subunit composition of the purified receptor was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This subunit profile was identical with that revealed by in situ labeling of the membrane-bound protein using the photolyzable methyl-4-azidobenzoimidate derivative of 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin. The purified receptor reveals two different protein bands with molecular masses of 42 and 57 kDa. From sedimentation analysis of the purified protein complex in H2O and D2O and gel filtration, a mass of 270 kDa was calculated. The receptor has a s(20,w) of 9.4 and a Stoke's radius of 7.4 nm. The frictional coefficient was calculated to be 1.7 indicating a highly asymmetric protein complex compatible with a transmembrane protein forming an ion channel. The sequence of a peptide obtained after tryptic digestion of the 42-kDa protein allowed the specific identification of the Drosophila D alpha5 subunit by sequence comparison. A peptide-specific antibody raised against the D alpha5 subunit provides further evidence that this subunit is a component of an alpha-bungarotoxin binding nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from the central nervous system of Drosophila.

Homology model of the GABAA receptor examined using Brownian dynamics

We have developed a homology model of the GABA(A) receptor, using the subunit combination of alpha1beta2gamma2, the most prevalent type in the mammalian brain. The model is produced in two parts: the membrane-embedded channel domain and the extracellular N-terminal domain. The pentameric transmembrane domain model is built by modeling each subunit by homology with the equivalent subunit of the heteropentameric acetylcholine receptor transmembrane domain. This segment is then joined with the extracellular domain built by homology with the acetylcholine binding protein. The all-atom model forms a wide extracellular vestibule that is connected to an oval chamber near the external surface of the membrane. A narrow, cylindrical transmembrane channel links the outer segment of the pore to a shallow intracellular vestibule. The physiological properties of the model so constructed are examined using electrostatic calculations and Brownian dynamics simulations. A deep energy well of approximately 80 kT accommodates three Cl(-) ions in the narrow transmembrane channel and seven Cl(-) ions in the external vestibule. Inward permeation takes place when one of the ions queued in the external vestibule enters the narrow segment and ejects the innermost ion. The model, when incorporated into Brownian dynamics, reproduces key experimental features, such as the single-channel current-voltage-concentration profiles. Finally, we simulate the gamma2 K289M epilepsy inducing mutation and examine Cl(-) ion permeation through the mutant receptor.

Agonist-mediated Conformational Changes in Acetylcholine-binding Protein Revealed by Simulation and Intrinsic Tryptophan Fluorescence

We delineated acetylcholine (ACh)-dependent conformational changes in a prototype of the nicotinic receptor ligand binding domain by molecular dynamics simulation and changes in intrinsic tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence. Prolonged molecular dynamics simulation of ACh-binding protein showed that binding of ACh establishes close register of Trps from adjacent subunits, Trp(143) and Trp(53), and draws the peripheral C-loop inward to occlude the entrance to the binding cavity. Close register of Trp(143) and Trp(53) was demonstrated by ACh-mediated quenching of intrinsic Trp fluorescence, elimination of quenching by mutation of one or both Trps to Phe, and decreased lifetime of Trp fluorescence by bound ACh. Occlusion of the binding cavity by the C-loop was demonstrated by restricted access of an extrinsic quencher of binding site Trp fluorescence by ACh. The collective findings showed that ACh initially establishes close register of conserved Trps from adjacent subunits and then draws the C-loop inward to occlude the entrance to the binding cavity.

Tetrameric mouse acetylcholinesterase: continuum diffusion rate calculations by solving the steady-state Smoluchowski equation using finite element methods

The tetramer is the most important form for acetylcholinesterase in physiological conditions, i.e., in the neuromuscular junction and the nervous system. It is important to study the diffusion of acetylcholine to the active sites of the tetrameric enzyme to understand the overall signal transduction process in these cellular components. Crystallographic studies revealed two different forms of tetramers, suggesting a flexible tetramer model for acetylcholinesterase. Using a recently developed finite element solver for the steady-state Smoluchowski equation, we have calculated the reaction rate for three mouse acetylcholinesterase tetramers using these two crystal structures and an intermediate structure as templates. Our results show that the reaction rates differ for different individual active sites in the compact tetramer crystal structure, and the rates are similar for different individual active sites in the other crystal structure and the intermediate structure. In the limit of zero salt, the reaction rates per active site for the tetramers are the same as that for the monomer, whereas at higher ionic strength, the rates per active site for the tetramers are approximately 67%-75% of the rate for the monomer. By analyzing the effect of electrostatic forces on ACh diffusion, we find that electrostatic forces play an even more important role for the tetramers than for the monomer. This study also shows that the finite element solver is well suited for solving the diffusion problem within complicated geometries.

N-[18F]Fluoroethylpiperidin-4ylmethyl Acetate, a Novel Lipophilic Acetylcholine Analogue for PET Measurement of Brain Acetylcholinesterase Activity

The reduction of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain has been measured in dementia disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies using (11)C-labeled acetylcholine analogues, N-[(11)C]methylpiperidin-4-yl acetate and propionate, and positron emission tomography (PET). Our aim was to develop an (18)F-labeled acetylcholine analogue useful for brain AChE mapping with PET, since (18)F, with a longer half-life, has advantages over (11)C. In a preliminary study, a series of N-[(14)C]ethylpiperidin-3-yl or -4-ylmethanol esters (acetyl and propionyl esters) were newly designed and evaluated in vitro regarding the reactivity with and specificity to AChE using purified human enzymes, leading to a novel (18)F-labeled acetylcholine analogue, N-[(18)F]fluoroethylpiperidin-4-ylmethyl acetate. In rat experiments, the (18)F-labeled candidate showed desirable properties for PET AChE measurement: high brain uptake of the authentic ester, high AChE specificity, a moderate hydrolysis rate, and low membrane permeability (metabolic trapping) of the metabolite.

Interaction of dopamine and acetylcholine with an amphiphilic resorcinarene receptor in aqueous micelle system

The molecular recognition of neurotransmitters, dopamine and acetylcholine with an amphiphilic resorcinarene receptor was investigated in an aqueous sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micelle system by 1H NMR measurements. The interaction distances of these neurotransmitters from the hydrophilic cavity of the amphiphilic receptor were estimated based on the calculation of the ring current shift using the atomic coordinates obtained from molecular dynamics calculation.

Cluster-Phase Reactions: Gas-Phase Phosphorylation of Peptides and Model Compounds with Triphosphate Anions

Molecular clusters provide a unique environment in which chemical reactions between cluster components can occur. In the present study, electrospray ionization is used to examine the behavior of anionic clusters of triphosphate with choline, acetylcholine, and betaine, and the behaviors of cationic clusters of triphosphate with the peptides bradykinin (RPPGFSPFR) and ARRPEGRTWAQPGY. Phosphorylation of a hydroxyl group, when one is present, is shown to be a facile process when the cluster is subjected to collisional activation. Of particular interest is the selective phosphorylation of the hydroxyl substituent in serine and threonine residues of peptides. Less conclusive results are obtained with three peptides containing tyrosine, but the data obtained are consistent with phosphorylation on tyrosine residues. In the absence of residues with hydroxyl substituents, the C-terminus of a peptide is observed to be phosphorylated. The unique chemical reactions reported in this study represent the first examples of gas-phase phosphorylation of alcohols and are also interesting in that they occur at a site remote from charged functional groups in the same molecule. This facile process may have interesting implications for the synthesis of key molecules at the threshold of life.

Amperometric acetylcholine sensor catalyzed by nickel anode electrode

An amperometric method was using a nickel catalytic electrode in aqueous base solution for detecting acetylcholine (ACh). A sensing mechanism was developed in which ACh was hydrolyzed in base aqueous solution to produce the acetic anion and choline. The alcohol group of choline was oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acid by Ni(OH)2/NiOOH catalytic system. The amperometric response resulted from the current generated by ACh oxidation in response to step changes in ACh concentration. The potential window of limiting current of ACh anodic oxidation at the Ni interface was determined in NaOH electrolyte. The effect of NaOH electrolyte concentration on sensitivity was also discussed. At the optimum operating condition, the method exhibits a good linear relationship between the response current and the ACh concentration. The response time of the ACh sensing system was 10 s. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with platinum micro-tips was used to investigate the diffusion layer thickness of Ni electrode.

Efficacy of Trimedoxime in Mice Poisoned with Dichlorvos, Heptenophos or Monocrotophos

The aim of the study was to examine antidotal potency of trimedoxime in mice poisoned with three direct dimethoxy-substituted organophosphorus inhibitors. In order to assess the protective efficacy of trimedoxime against dichlorvos, heptenophos or monocrotophos, median effective doses and efficacy half-times were calculated. Trimedoxime (24 mg/kg intravenously) was injected 5 min. before 1.3 LD50 intravenously of poisons. Activities of brain, diaphragmal and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase, as well as of plasma carboxylesterases were determined at different time intervals (10, 40 and 60 min.) after administration of the antidotes. Protective effect of trimedoxime decreased according to the following order: monocrotophos > heptenophos > dichlorvos. Administration of the oxime produced a significant reactivation of central and peripheral acetylcholinesterase inhibited with dichlorvos and heptenophos, with the exception of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase inhibited by heptenophos. Surprisingly, trimedoxime did not induce reactivation of monocrotophos-inhibited acetylcholinesterase in any of the tissues tested. These organophosphorus compounds produced a significant inhibition of plasma carboxylesterase activity, while administration of trimedoxime led to regeneration of the enzyme activity. The same dose of trimedoxime assured survival of experimental animals poisoned by all three organophosphorus compounds, although the biochemical findings were quite different.

Ligand-induced conformational change in the alpha7 nicotinic receptor ligand binding domain

Molecular dynamics simulations of a homology model of the ligand binding domain of the alpha7 nicotinic receptor are conducted with a range of bound ligands to induce different conformational states. Four simulations of 15 ns each are run with no ligand, antagonist d-tubocurarine (dTC), agonist acetylcholine (ACh), and agonist ACh with potentiator Ca(2+), to give insight into the conformations of the active and inactive states of the receptor and suggest the mechanism for conformational change. The main structural factor distinguishing the active and inactive states is that a more open, symmetric arrangement of the five subunits arises for the two agonist simulations, whereas a more closed and asymmetric arrangement results for the apo and dTC cases. Most of the difference arises in the lower portion of the ligand binding domain near its connection to the adjacent transmembrane domain. The transfer of the more open state to the transmembrane domain could then promote ion flow through the channel. Variation in how subunits pack together with no ligand bound appears to give rise to asymmetry in the apo case. The presence of dTC expands the receptor but induces rotations in alternate directions in adjacent subunits that lead to an asymmetric arrangement as in the apo case. Ca(2+) appears to promote a slightly greater expansion in the subunits than ACh alone by stabilizing the C-loop and ACh positions. Although the simulations are unlikely to be long enough to view the full conformational changes between open and closed states, a collection of different motions at a range of length scales are observed that are likely to participate in the conformational change.

Enzyme-based amperometric biosensors for continuous and on-line monitoring of cerebral extracellular microdialysate

Analytical systems integrating in vivo microdialysis sampling with enzyme-based electrochemical biosensor detection have been increasingly accepted to be a new technique for continuous and on-line monitoring of biologically important species. Extensive interests in such integrated on-line analytical systems have suggested that these systems are very useful for physiological and pathological investigations. This review mainly focuses on the principle, development and striking applications of the enzyme-based amperometric biosensors integrated with in vivo microdialysis for continuous and on-line monitoring of cerebral extracellular fluid in recent years.

CH/π hydrogen bonds as evidenced in the substrate specificity of acetylcholine esterase

The crystal structure of acetylcholine esterase (AchE) in complex with various inhibitors, investigated as drugs for improvement of the cognitive ability of early stage Alzheimer's disease, has been analyzed with the use of our program CHPI. A number of CH/pi hydrogen bonds have been disclosed in the binding of the inhibitors with Torpedo californica AchE. It has been demonstrated that, in order to be effective in the binding with AchE, C-H bonds in the inhibitor need not be polarized.

Theoretical insights into the mechanism of acetylcholinesterase-catalyzed acylation of acetylcholine

Acylation of acetylcholine (ACh) catalyzed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been studied using high-level theoretical calculations on a model system that mimics the reaction center of the enzyme, and compared with uncatalyzed acylation reaction. The geometries of all the intermediates and transition states, activation energies, and solvent effects have been calculated. The calculations predict simultaneous formation of two short-strong hydrogen bonds (SSHB) in the rate-determining transition state structures [the first SSHB involves the hydrogen atom of Ser-200 (H(s)) and another involves the hydrogen atom of His-440 (H(h))]. In the intermediate states, the H-bond corresponding to H(h) involves SSHB, whereas the one corresponding to H(s) does not.