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