Anticholinesterase

The Uses of Anticholinesterase

Pesticides.

The Uses of Anticholinesterase

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from Sigma has been used in the structure-activity study of phosphoramido acid esters as inhibitors of AChE.

The Uses of Anticholinesterase

Acetylcholinesterase from Electrophorus electricus (electric eel) has been used:

• in acetylcholinesterase activity assay
• to study its effects on Xenopus embryonic hippocampal cells
• to study the effect of acetylcholine inhibitors on development and plasticity

Definition

Any substance that inhibits or inactivates acetylcholinesterase, thereby preventing the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. Their action leads to an accumulation of endogenous acetylcholine with a resultant hyperactivity of cholinergic neurons, which can prove lethal.

General Description

Predominantly exists as a tetrameric glycoprotein composed of disulfide-linked homodimers with a monomer MW of ~80 kDa.

Hazard

Tremors; convulsions; respiratory failure; death.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is regarded as a biomarker in neurotoxicity. It is a modulator of nitric oxide signal transduction pathway and marker of membrane integrity and aging. The levels of erythrocyte (RBC) AChE are affected on pesticide exposure and in hemolytic anemia. RBC AChE is a marker in Hirschsprung′s disease and inflammation.