Inhibition by Acetylcholine of Protein Synthesis in Cultured Limb Regenerates

Cultured amphibian limb blastemas at both early and late stages of regeneration were treated with acetylcholine (ACH). Incorporation of radioactive leucine or thymidine was measured after 24 h. A significant reduction in leucine incorporation was observed in experimental cultures, particularly at the earlier stage of regeneration, whereas DNA synthesis was apparently unaffected. It is suggested that ACH may be involved in the regulation of protein synthesis during regeneration of the newt limb in vivo.