[Study of the cholinesterase active site using a fluorescent probe]

We studied fluorescence of 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine hydrochloride (tacrine) in the presence of serum cholinesterase. Quenching of tacrine fluorescence dependent on cholinesterase activity has been revealed. A quenching mechanism is proposed; it includes formation of a complex and charge transfer mediated by excited tacrine molecule as well as indole of tryptophan residue from the periphery of cholinesterase active site.