Distribution in brain and retina of four enzymes of acetyl CoA synthesis in relation to choline acetyl transferase and acetylcholine esterase.

Eleven regions of mouse brain and twelve layers of monkey retina were assayed for choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), and 4 enzymes that synthesize acetyl CoA. The purpose was to seek evidence concerning the source of acetyl CoA for acetylcholine generation. In brain ATP citrate lyase was strongly correlated with ChAT as well as AChE (r = 0.914 in both cases). Weak, but statistically significant correlation, was observed between ChAT and both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial thiolase, whereas there was a significant negative correlation between ChAT and acetyl thiokinase. In retina ChAT was essentially limited to the inner plexiform and ganglion cell layers, whereas substantial AChE activity extended as well into inner nuclear, outer plexiform and fiber layers, but no further. ATP citrate lyase activity was also highest in the inner four retinal layers, but was not strongly correlated with either ChAT or AChE (r = 0.724 and 0.761, respectively). Correlation between ChAT and acetyl thiokinase was at least as strong (r = 0.757), and in the six inner layers of retina, the correlation between ChAT and acetylthiokinase was very strong (r = 0.932).