The effect of a single dose of arecholine and atropine administration on activities of carboxypeptidase H and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride-inhibited carboxypeptidase in the nervous system of rats

The effect of a single dose of arecholine and atropine administration on the activities of carboxypeptidase H and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride-inhibited carboxypeptidase involved into the final stage of formation of biologically active neuropeptides from precursors has been studied in brain and adrenals. Changes in the enzyme activities were evident during at least 72 h after administration of these drugs to rats. These results suggest that the decrease in the activity of these enzymes may represent one of possible mechanisms involved into reduction of neuropeptide levels during inhibition and activation of cholinergic system.