An enzyme that catalyzes breakdown of acetylcholine.
An enzyme which breaks down a choline ester.
A catalytic enzyme that hydrolyzes acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid; it is needed for transmission of nerve impulses of the parasympathetic nervous system. Decreased levels may indicate organic phosphate poisoning, cancer, and liver and certain skin conditions.
An enzyme that breaks down a choline ester into its choline and acid components. The term usually refers to acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid. It is found in all cholinergic nerve junctions, where it rapidly destroys the acetylcholine released during the transmission of a nerve impulse so that subsequent impulses may pass. Other cholinesterases are found in the blood and other tissues.
Any enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of choline esters, such as acetylcholinesterase, which catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine to acetic acid and choline. Cholinesterases are inhibited by physostigmine (eserine).