Cholinesterasen: Verdeling en Functie

Cholinesterases are enzymes that cleave choline esters. Based on their distribution and function, they exist as two distinct types: AChEs, or true cholinesterases and BuChEs, or pseudocholinesterases.

Both types have globular catalytic subunits, which can exist as the soluble forms of the enzyme. The bound form of the enzymes has the catalytic components anchored to the membrane via structural subunits.

AChEs are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and are primarily found in cholinergic neurons and at the postsynaptic end plates

They are specific for ACh and related esters. The bound AChEs at the cholinergic synapses hydrolyze the released ACh, terminating its action.

On the other hand, BuChEs are synthesized in the liver. Bound BuChEs are widely distributed in the body, while the soluble form is found in the plasma.

BuChE hydrolyzes butyrylcholine, ACh and other ester-containing anesthetics. It also regulates outgrowth of the neurons and cellular proliferation.