Les cholinestérases

Abstract

Butyrylcholinesterase must be differentiated from acetylcholinesterase, which cannot hydrolyse succinylcholine. The physiological action of butyrylcholinesterase remains unknown, although it can hydrolyse many drugs. Excluding genetical mutations, several physiopathological situations alter butyryl-cholinesterase activity. Butyrylcholinesterase activity assessment does not allow the diagnosis of genetic variants. Whatever the origin, only deficits of more than 50% modify significantly the metabolism of succinylcholine or mivacurium. The diagnosis of a prolonged neuromuscular blockade is obtained with systematic monitoring of the neuromuscular function in case of administration of mivacurium or succinylcholine. Mivacurium should only be re-injected when one response at train of four is obtained. In case of prolonged neuromuscular blockade, the anticholinesterasic agent should not be administered when no response at train of four is obtained. The biochemical methods using inhibitors (dibucaine, fluoride) of the butyrylcholinesterase and a familial study lead to the diagnosis in most cases because the atypical and fluoride variants are the most frequent. When results are doubtful, genetic molecular methods with the use of PCR and restriction enzymes allow a rapid diagnosis.

Nanostructured Biosensor for Measuring Neuropathy Target Esterase Activity

“…Although the primary purpose of this paper was to develop a NEST biosensor, we found that the approach could also be extended to measure the activities of other esterases involved in neural processes, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). AChE, also known as true cholinesterase, is found in neural synapses and erythrocytes. − BChE, also known as pseudocholinesterase, is found in the blood plasma. , Although both of these enzymes are capable of hydrolyzing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid, a reaction necessary to turn off acetylcholine's neuroactive effects, they differ in their respective reactivities toward substrates. AChE preferentially hydrolyzes acetylcholine, whereas BChE preferentially hydrolyzes butyrylcholine.…”