JBC, Vol. 250, Issue 12, 4445-4450, Jun, 1975
Equilibrium constants of the reactions of choline acetyltransferase, carnitine acetyltransferase, and acetylcholinesterase under physiological conditions
J. R. Pieklik and R. W. Guynn
The observed equilibrium constant (Kobs) for the reaction of choline
acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.6) has been determined under physiological
conditions. Using sigma and square brackets to indicate total
concentrations of all ionic species present: (see article). The value of
Kobs has been determined to be 12.3 plus or minus 0.6 at 38 degrees, pH 7.0
and ionic strength 0.25 M. The value at 25 degrees is not significantly
different, and the constant has been found to be insensitive to variations
in ionic strength (0.03 to 0.375 M), pH (6.5 TO 7.5) OR FREE [Mg-2+] (0 to
5 mM). The Kobs of this reaction reflects the difference between the
observed standard free energy change (delta G-oobs) for the hydrolysis of
acetylcholine and the delta G-oobs for the hydrolysis of acetyl-CoA. Since
the delta G-oobs for the hydrolysis of acetyl-CoA has been previously
determined to be minus 8.54 kcal/mol (minus 35.75 kJ/mol under the same
physiological conditions, the delta G-oobs for the reaction of
acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7): (SEE ARTICLE). Can be calculated to be
minus 6.99 kcal/mol (minus 29.26 kJ/mol) at pH ionic strength 0.25 M and 38
degrees, taking the standard state of liquid water to have unit activity
([H2O] equals 1). The pKa for acetic acid under the same conditions, has
been determined to be 4.60 plus or minus 0.01, allowing the Kobs for the
pH-independent reaction (see article). To be calculated to be 3.28 times
10-2 M. Choline and carnitine are chemical analogues. The Kobs for the
corresponding reaction of carnitine acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.7). (SEE
ARTICLE). Under the same physiological conditions of pH (7.0), ionic
strength (0.25 M), and temperature (38 degrees) has been determined to be
1.73 plus or minus 0.05, making the delta G-oobs for the hydrolysis of
acetylcholine only 1.21 kcal/mol (5.06 kJ) less negative than that for the
hydrolysis of acetylcarnitine.