Cholinesterase (ChE)
Cholinesterase (ChE) refers to a family of enzymes, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), which hydrolyze the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into choline and acetate. This enzymatic activity is crucial for terminating synaptic transmission, particularly in neuromuscular junctions, ensuring proper muscle function and nervous system operations. Cholinesterase inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease to increase acetylcholine concentrations in the brain, thereby enhancing cholinergic transmission and alleviating symptoms. Additionally, ChE’s role in pesticide and nerve agent metabolism makes these enzymes relevant in toxicology and pharmacology, with inhibitors also serving as potential treatments for myasthenia gravis and glaucoma.