Butyrylcholinesterase

The Uses of Butyrylcholinesterase

Selective inhibition of BChE activity, Butyrylcholinesterase can be used in the detection of organophosphates.Its use in the treatment of organophosphate toxicity has been explored. It has been reported that the level of BChE in human blood correlates to the degree of protection against potentially toxic nerve agents.Cholinesterases have also been investigated for their role in Alzheimer’s disease.

The Uses of Butyrylcholinesterase

Butyrylcholinesterase from equine serum has been used in a microcalorimetric study of the inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase by paraoxon. This enzyme has also been used in a study to investigate the synthesis and inhibition of cholinergic enzymes. Selective inhibition of BChE activity can be used in the detection of organophosphates. Its use in the treatment of organophosphate toxicity has shown clinical potential, as there is a correlation between the blood level of BChE in humans and the degree of protection against toxic nerve agents. There has also been an interest in the roles of cholinesterases with regard to Alzheimer′s disease. Investigations into selective inhibitors may provide a clearer picture of the physiological role of BChE in both healthy and diseased individuals. This product has been used for the screening of cholineesterase inhibitors in selected fruits and vegetables, for restoring cognitive function and improving memory. It has also been used to develop a butyrylcholinesterase and choline oxidase immobilized bio-sniffer for the detection of nicotine. Nicotine inhibits BChE activity. A decrease in the byproducts of BChE activity reflects the volume of nicotine.

Biological Functions

Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) is found in plasma, the liver, and the kidney. Its activity is also inhibited by carbamate insecticides. BuChE is able to hydrolyze much larger substrates than AChE due to differences in their structure that allow BuChE to bind bulky ligands. The physiological role of BuChE is not completely understood, but it represents an important detoxification pathway for anticholinesterase compounds (Sultatos, 2006).

General Description

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is a serine hydrolase that is structurally similar to acetylcholinesterase (AChE), but differs in substrate specificities and inhibitor sensitivities. The enzyme is a tetrameric glycoprotein with four equal subunits (110 kDa each). It is also termed as pseudocholinesterase. It is produced in the liver. It is found in blood, the synapse of neuromuscular junctions and glia cells and axons of white matter.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is a serine hydrolase that is structurally similar to acetylcholinesterase (AChE), but differs in substrate specificities and inhibitor sensitivities.BChE can, unlike AChE, efficiently hydrolyze larger esters of choline such as butyrylcholine and benzoylcholine. The enzyme is a tetrameric glycoprotein with four equal subunits (110 kDa each). The enzyme is activated by Ca2+ and Mg2+. The activity is constant over the pH range of 6.0-8.0. It is inhibited by betaine, nicotine, organophosphates, and carbamate.