acetylcholinesterase

Examples of acetylcholinesterase in the following topics:

• Agonists, Antagonists, and Drugs

  • For example, by affecting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase the receptor ligand is degraded.
  • Most indirect-acting ACh receptor agonists work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

• Cholinergic Neurons and Receptors

  • The enzyme acetylcholinesterase converts acetylcholine into the inactive metabolites choline and acetate.
  • Certain neurotoxins work by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, leading to excess acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.

• Synaptic Transmission

  • Second, degradation by enzymes in the synaptic cleft such as acetylcholinesterase.

• Excitation–Contraction Coupling

  • ACh is broken down by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) into acetyl and choline.

• Types of Neurotransmitters by Function

  • Once released, acetylcholine binds to post-synaptic receptors and is degraded by acetylcholinesterase.