Acetylcholinesterase: Difference between revisions
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In [[biochemistry]], '''acetylcholinesterase''' is an "[[enzyme]] that catalyzes the hydrolysis of [[acetylcholine]] to [[choline]] and [[acetate]]. In the [[central nervous system|CNS]], this enzyme plays a role in the function of peripheral [[neuromuscular junction]]s."<ref>{{MeSH}}</ref> It causes muscle to | In [[biochemistry]], '''acetylcholinesterase''' is an "[[enzyme]] that catalyzes the hydrolysis of [[acetylcholine]] to [[choline]] and [[acetate]]. In the [[central nervous system|CNS]], this enzyme plays a role in the function of peripheral [[neuromuscular junction]]s."<ref>{{MeSH}}</ref> It causes muscle, stimulated by acetylcholine, to relax. | ||
==Medical uses== | ==Medical uses== | ||
Revision as of 19:15, 3 June 2009
In biochemistry, acetylcholinesterase is an "enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine to choline and acetate. In the CNS, this enzyme plays a role in the function of peripheral neuromuscular junctions."[1] It causes muscle, stimulated by acetylcholine, to relax.
Medical uses
Cholinesterase inhibitors may be used for the treatment of disorders of gastrointestinal tract, urinary bladder, the eye, skeletal muscles, and also dementia. Cholinesterase inhibitors may stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Cholinesterase inhibition is the mechanism of toxicity of "nerve gas" chemical weapons and insecticides. Such poisoning is initially treated with atropine.
References
- ↑ Anonymous (2024), Acetylcholinesterase (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.