Sauroxine and sauroine effect on the acetylcholinesterase activity

ORTEGA, MG; VALLEJO MG; CABRERA JL; AGNESE AM

Córdoba, Arg

Otro; • XXXVIII Reunión anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Farmacología Experimental; 2006

Sauroxine and sauroine effect on the acetylcholinesterase activity

   Previous investigation research on Huperzia saururus plant species showed that its main constituents are alkaloids and the  quali-quantitative composition was determined. Besides, the purified alkaloid extract (AE) was assayed and it showed a marked acetilcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory activity. In relation whit this activity we also tested AE activity on the hippocampal long term potentiation (LTP) generation, and we have obtained  positive results.

   The present study had the aim to identify  which of the compounds is/are responsible for the AE inhibitory action on AchE. Thus, we tested sauroxine and sauroine, two of the majority compounds of the AE by using an in vitro colorimetric method described by Ellman

   Results show that sauroxine develops an inhibitory effect on AchE.  It was evaluated in seven different concentrations showing a  IC₅₀= 12 µg/mL  On the other hand, sauroine did not produce inhibition on the enzyme at any concentration, not even at 500 µg/mL.

   Further studies will make possible the identification of other responsible for  the inhibitory activity of AE.