Expression and function of cholinergic components

We will study the mechanisms controlling expression of cholinergic components and especially expression of acetylcholinesterase in the mammalian tissues. Various experimental models and tissues such as normal and denervated adult rat muscle, in vitro innervated human muscle, selected parts of the rat central nervous system and rat liver will be employed. Techniques will include: determinations of enzyme activities, in situ hybridization, Northern blotting and cytochemistry of various cholinergic components. We will try to establish at which levels of biosynthetic pathway act the factors known to control acetylcholinesterase expression and what are the mechanisms underlying their action. Mechanisms of acetylcholinesterase inhibition through the peripheral site will be studied by EPR.