H Wang1, X C Tang. 1. State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.
Abstract
AIM: To compare the anticholinesterase effects of huperzine A (Hup A), E2020, and tacrine in rats. METHODS: Spectrophotometry was used to determine AChE activity in brain and BuChE activity in serum. RESULTS: Following intragastric gavage, Hup A, E2020, and tacrine all produced dose-dependent inhibitions of brain AChE. Oral Hup A exhibited a higher inhibition than E2020 and tacrine. Tacrine was more effective in inhibiting serum BuChE correlated with severe peripheral adverse effects. The BuChE activity was less affected by Hup A and E2020. After a single oral dose of Hup A, a relatively steady state of AChE inhibition produced, which was longer than that after E2020 and tacrine. No change in the cholinesterase inhibition was seen for the 3 drugs following repeated i.g. medications. CONCLUSION: Hup A i.g. exhibited a higher efficacy, a longer duration of action, and a more selective inhibition on AChE than E2020 and tacrine.
AIM: To compare the anticholinesterase effects of huperzine A (Hup A), E2020, and tacrine in rats. METHODS: Spectrophotometry was used to determine AChE activity in brain and BuChE activity in serum. RESULTS: Following intragastric gavage, Hup A, E2020, and tacrine all produced dose-dependent inhibitions of brain AChE. Oral Hup A exhibited a higher inhibition than E2020 and tacrine. Tacrine was more effective in inhibiting serum BuChE correlated with severe peripheral adverse effects. The BuChE activity was less affected by Hup A and E2020. After a single oral dose of Hup A, a relatively steady state of AChE inhibition produced, which was longer than that after E2020 and tacrine. No change in the cholinesterase inhibition was seen for the 3 drugs following repeated i.g. medications. CONCLUSION: Hup A i.g. exhibited a higher efficacy, a longer duration of action, and a more selective inhibition on AChE than E2020 and tacrine.