Kilianova_2020_Can.J.Physiol.Pharmacol__

Acetylcholine-mediated vagal transmission as well as non-neuronal acetylcholine (ACh) release are considered cardioprotective in pathological situations with increased sympathetic drive such as ischemic-reperfusion and cardiac remodeling. ACh action is terminated by hydrolysis by the cholinesterases (ChEs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Both ChEs exist in multiple molecular variants either soluble or anchored by specific anchoring proteins like collagen Q anchoring protein (ColQ) and proline-rich membrane anchoring protein (PRiMA). Here we assessed the expression of specific ChE molecular forms in different heart compartments using RT-qPCR. We show that both ChEs are expressed in all heart compartments but display different expression patterns. AChE-T variant together with PRiMA and ColQ is predominantly expressed in rat atria. BChE is found in all heart compartments and is accompanied with both PRiMA and ColQ anchors. Its expression in the ventricular system suggests involvement in the non-neuronal cholinergic system (NNCS). Additionally, two PRiMA variants are detected throughout the rat heart.