Acetylcholinesterase

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." 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.