Cholinesterases

Cholinesterases inactivate the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by catalyzing its hydrolysis to choline and acetic acid. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is found in erythroid cells and at neuronal synapses, whilst butyrylcholinesterase is mostly expressed in the liver. The high enzymatic rate of AChE means that it effectively terminates signal transmission at cholinergic synpases.

AChE is the target of organophosphate nerve agents such as sarin and VX. Clinically, AChE inhibitors have found a number of uses, with physostigmine used to treat glaucoma. AChE inhibitors are also used in the management of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

External sources of pharmacological information for Cholinesterases :

• BJP Guide

Literature for Cholinesterases

Tocris offers the following scientific literature for Cholinesterases to showcase our products. We invite you to request* your copy today!

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Alzheimer's Disease Poster

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating and progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia, affecting approximately 30% of individuals aged over 85 years. This poster summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms of AD.

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Cholinesterase Gene Data