References
Query Results -- Details
MGI Accession ID: MGI:2179535
J Number: J:76453
Other Accession IDs:
Title: Postnatal developmental delay and supersensitivity to organophosphate in gene-targeted mice lacking acetylcholinesterase.
Authors: Xie W; Stribley JA; Chatonnet A; Wilder PJ; Rizzino A; McComb RD; Taylor P; Hinrichs SH; Lockridge O
Journal: J Pharmacol Exp Ther
Volume: 293
Issue: 3
Date: 2000 Jun
Year: 2000
Pages: 896-902
Review Status: Peer Reviewed
Abstract:
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) is the primary terminator of nerve impulse transmission at cholinergic synapses and is believed to play an important role in neural development. Targeted deletion of four exons of the ACHE gene reduced AChE activity by half in heterozygous mutant mice and totally eliminated AChE activity in nullizygous animals. Butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) activity was normal in AChE -/- mice. Although nullizygous mice were born alive and lived up to 21 days, physical development was delayed. The neuromuscular junction of 12-day-old nullizygous animals appeared normal in structure. Nullizygous mice were highly sensitive to the toxic effects of the organophosphate diisopropylfluorophosphate and to the butyrylcholinesterase-specific inhibitor bambuterol. These findings indicate that butyrylcholinesterase and possibly other enzymes are capable of compensating for some functions of AChE and that the inhibition of targets other than AChE by organophosphorus agents results in death.
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