Identification of the acetylcholine-like substance obtained from the sympathetic ganglia by physical and chemical methods

1. An acetylcholine-like substance stored by sympathetic ganglia and released upon electrical stimulation of the preganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers has been characterized. 2. Classical biological and pharmacological tests were used to verify that the acetylcholine-like substance obtained from extracts of cant and beef sympathetic ganglionic chains is a choline ester. The results of the above tests were consistent with the contention that the acetylcholine-like substance is a choline ester. 3. Paper chromatographic and electrophoretic technics were used to characterize the acetylcholine-like substance obtained from extracts of cat and beef sympathetic ganglionic chains. In each system the acetylcholine-like substance moved essentially the same distance from the origin as did C14-acetylcholine. These data suggest that the acetylcholine-like substance is acetylcholine. Other choline esters were not detected in these extracts. 4. The tetrachloroaurate salt of the acetylcholine-like substance, obtained from extracts of beef sympathetic ganglionic chains, was prepared and its melting point determined. The melting point at the above salt 164 to 167° C. Acetylcholine tetrachloroaurate melted at 164 to 166.5° C and a mixture of the two salts melted at 165 to 167° C. The above data provide strong evidence that acetylcholine is present in beef sympathetic ganglionic chains. 5. The superior cervical ganglion of the cat was perfused with Locke's solution containing C14-choline. The preganglionic nerve trunk was periodically stimulated for the duration of the perfusion experiment. Two radioactive compounds were detected in the effluent and in a extract of the perfused ganglion. The paper chromatographic and electrophoretic data suggest that C14-choline and C14-acetylcholine were present in both the effluent and the extract. Other choline esters were not detected.