Bhatnagar_1989_Arch.Int.Pharmacodyn.Ther_302_68

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, EC 3.1.1.8.) activity in adrenal cortex and medulla was studied in control mice and in mice treated with DL-amphetamine. Amphetamine 6 mg/kg body weight, enhanced the enzyme activity in the adrenal medulla. In cortical layers, the effect was different for various layers; the enzyme activity decreased in the zona glomerulosa and in the zona reticularis, but remained unaltered in the zona fasciculata. In view of various neuronal and nonneuronal functions of BChE, it is suggested that the difference in effect of amphetamine on activity of BChE in various parts of glands is due to the neuronal and nonneuronal origin and function of the adrenal medulla and the cortex.