Acetylcholinesterase and Non-Specific Esterase Activities during the Regeneration of Planaria Dugesia tigrina (Girard)

Abstract

Biochemical, modification of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and non-specific esterases of a planarian species [Dugesia tigrina (Girard)] were studied as a function of regeneration. The enzymatic activities were measured in regenerating planarians at regular time intervals from the beginning of the regeneration process to the complete restoration of the animal. Both enzymatic activities were substantially altered during the regeneration process of caudal and cephalic segments. Polyacrylamide gel zymograms for soluble α-naphthyl acetate hydrolytic activity revealed four bands of activities. These activities were fractioned into two major peaks on cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography, presented optimal pH between 6 and 7 and were inhibited by PMSF, DFP, BNPP and NaF but not by EDTA. TPCK, TLCK and n-ethyl maleimide. © 1994, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.