The effect of oxotremorine on the acetylcholine content of different parts of cat brain

Cerebrospinal fluid choline in extrapyramidal disorders

Cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Parkinson's disease and Huntington's chorea has been investigated with regard to the concentration of choline. In Parkinson's disease the choline concentration of lumbar spinal fluid was not different from that of a control group, nor was it related to medication, duration of illness, or severity of symptoms. A comparison between choline in ventricular cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Parkinson's disease and with intention tremor showed no significant differences. Patients with Huntington's chorea had a lower concentration of choline in lumbar spinal fluid as compared with a control group. The results are discussed in relation to the possible sources of cerebrospinal fluid choline.

Effect of oxotremorine on the acetylcholine content of whole brain and various brain regions in the pigeon

Oxotremorine (0.125 mg/kg) produces a significant increase in total acetylcholine content in whole pigeon brain. The contribution of different regions to this increase varies. The largest increase occurs in the nucleus basalis (paleostriatum augmentatum), a region which is highly involved in motor control. The mechanism by which oxotremorine increases the acetylcholine content of brain and the causal relationship between the rise in acetylcholine content and tremor are discussed.