One of a family of enzymes capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of acylcholines and a few other compounds. In mammals, found in white matter of brain, liver, heart, pancreas, and serum. It is also found in cobra venom. SEE ALSO: acetylcholinesterase. SYN: choline esterase II, nonspecific c., “s”-type c..
- nonspecific c. SYN: c..
- specific c. SYN: acetylcholinesterase.
- true c. SYN: acetylcholinesterase.
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cho·lin·es·ter·ase .kō-lə-'nes-tə-.rās, -.rāz n
1) ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE
2) an enzyme that hydrolyzes choline esters and that is found esp. in blood plasma called also pseudocholinesterase
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n.
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.
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cho·lin·es·ter·ase (CHS) (ko″lin-esґtər-ās) [EC 3.1.1.8] an enzyme of the hydrolase class that catalyzes the cleavage of the acyl group from various esters of choline, including acetylcholine, and some related compounds (cf. acetylcholinesterase). The enzyme occurs primarily in the serum, liver, and pancreas; determination of enzyme activity is used to test liver function, succinylcholine sensitivity, and whether organophosphate insecticide poisoning has occurred. Called also choline esterase II (unspecific), pseudocholinesterase (PCE), and serum c. (SChE).Medical dictionary. 2011.