Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Cholinesterases inactivate the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by catalyzing its hydrolysis to choline and acetic acid. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is found in erythroid cells and at neuronal synapses, whilst butyrylcholinesterase is mostly expressed in the liver. The high enzymatic rate of AChE means that it effectively terminates signal transmission at cholinergic synpases.

AChE is the target of organophosphate nerve agents such as sarin and VX. Clinically, AChE inhibitors have found a number of uses, with physostigmine used to treat glaucoma. AChE inhibitors are also used in the management of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.