Cholinesterase (Labkit)
Butyrylthiocholine | Kinetic
| REF | Volume |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
Product description:
Cholinesterases (ChEs) are a ubiquitous group of enzymes that hydrolyze esters of choline. A
well-known example is acetylcholinesterase (AChE, acetylcholine hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7), the
enzyme responsible for hydrolyzing the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Another
ChE is butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE, acylcholine acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.8), also known as
nonspecific cholinesterase.The difference between them is that the acetylcholinesterase
catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine in the muscles, nerves etc. while pseudocholinesterase
is a plasma enzyme, produced by the liver and it hydrolyses butyrylcholine and a variety of
choline esters.
In acute hepatitis, of infective or toxic origin, plasma cholinesterase activity falls modestly
within a few days of onset, returning gradually to normal with recovery. Chronic hepatitis,
cirrhosis, neoplastic and other infiltrative diseases of the liver also result in low activity.
In obstructive jaundice, normal values are the rule, unless there is concomitant liver disease
or the obstruction is due to malignancy, when reduced values are found. Malignant disease, even
when localized and not involving the liver, can give low enzyme activity due to impaired enzyme
synthesis. With fatty liver, levels are normal or increased. Cholinesterase is best studied
serially and is of greatest value as a prognostic tool. A sudden or marked fall to a quarter of
the usual activity indicates ominous deterioration. A large number of drugs have been reported
as causing a reduction in Cholinesterase activity.
Assay of butyrylcholinesterase activity in plasma can be used as a liver function test and is a
sensitive test to find exposure to pesticides organophosphorus and identification of patients
with the atypical form of enzyme who presents high sensitivity to succinyl-choline. Both
hypercholinesterasemia and hypocholinesterasemia indicate pathological processes. The half-life
of BCHE is approximately 10 to 14 days.
