The cytochemical localization of cholinesterase activity in the developing chick heart. 1976

I M Taylor

The electronhistochemical localization of the cholinesterases of developing chick heart muscle cells has been studied with the aid of a substrate which incorporates an enzyme-susceptible thiolester group and a diazonium group into the same molecule. The embryonic chick heart exhibits cholinesterase activity from Hamilton-Hambruger stage 3 through to four days post hatching. Although enzyme activity is not demonstrated in every location at all stages studied, it has been observed on the nuclear envelope, golgi complex, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and myofilaments. A change in the type of activity has been demonstrated, acetylcholinesterase is found during the first fourteen days of development but thereafter, non-specific cholinesterase is seen instead. As nerves have not been found in relation to the working myocardium, further support is given to the concept that an acetylcholine-cholinesterase system of myogenic origin is involved in spontaneous contraction. Consideration of the distribution of enzyme within the myocardial cell, raises the possibility that cholinesterase may be concerned in a regulatory mechanism of protein synthesis, a suggestion made previously in connection with liver cells.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009206 Myocardium The muscle tissue of the HEART. It is composed of striated, involuntary muscle cells (MYOCYTES, CARDIAC) connected to form the contractile pump to generate blood flow. Muscle, Cardiac,Muscle, Heart,Cardiac Muscle,Myocardia,Cardiac Muscles,Heart Muscle,Heart Muscles,Muscles, Cardiac,Muscles, Heart
D002642 Chick Embryo The developmental entity of a fertilized chicken egg (ZYGOTE). The developmental process begins about 24 h before the egg is laid at the BLASTODISC, a small whitish spot on the surface of the EGG YOLK. After 21 days of incubation, the embryo is fully developed before hatching. Embryo, Chick,Chick Embryos,Embryos, Chick
D002802 Cholinesterases Acylcholineacylhydrolase,Cholase,Cholinesterase
D003979 Diazonium Compounds Azo compounds consisting of an aryl or alkyl group that is joined through two nitrogen atoms to an anion (R-N2+X-). Compounds, Diazonium
D006321 Heart The hollow, muscular organ that maintains the circulation of the blood. Hearts
D006651 Histocytochemistry Study of intracellular distribution of chemicals, reaction sites, enzymes, etc., by means of staining reactions, radioactive isotope uptake, selective metal distribution in electron microscopy, or other methods. Cytochemistry
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D013860 Thiocholine A mercaptocholine used as a reagent for the determination of CHOLINESTERASES. It also serves as a highly selective nerve stain.

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