Effects of Microbial Metabolites on the Activity of Cholinesterase. IV

Experiments with Trimethylamine Oxide Addition in Medium

Abstract

Following previous experiments on the cholinesterase inhibition by trimethylamine, action of various bacteria to the addition of trimethylamine N-oxide in the medium was examined. Trimethylamine N-oxide was added to bouillon medium in a ratio of 500mg% and various bacteria were cultured in such medium for 48 hours at 37°. The most powerful reducibility was exhibited by Escherichia coli, followed by Arizona, Ballerupp, and Alkalescens. The inhibition of cholinesterase activity, when trimethylamine N-oxide was added to the medium, was greater with bacteria having strong power to reduce trimethylamine N-oxide, smaller in bacteria with weaker reducibility. When trimethylamine N-oxide was not added to the medium, inhibition of cholinesterase activity was independent of the reducibility of the bacteria and determined by the bacterial species. Relationship between the amount of trimethylamine N-oxide added, the amount of trimethylamine produced, and degree of inhibition of cholinesterase activity was examined with Escherichia coli.