Plant surface as a sensory system in allelopathic relations: 2. Cholinesterase.

Testing of cholinesterase, the enzyme that hydrolyzed acetylcholine, on the leaf surface of woody plants was done by the histochemical methods with Ellman reagent, Fast Red TR, and azo analogue of Ellman reagent dithio-bis-(p-phenyleneazo)-bis-(1-oxy-8-chloro-3,6) sodium disulfate, shortly DTPDD reagent. Last dye test was seen visually and under microscope. Inhibitors of cholinesterase neostigmine and physostigmine decreased the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine by the cells. Presence of enzyme on plant surface shows its possible participation in allelopatic reactions between organisms containing and releasing acetylcholine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]