acetylcholinesterase
(noun)
An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Examples of acetylcholinesterase in the following topics:
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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.
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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.
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Types of Neurotransmitters by Function
- Once released, acetylcholine binds to post-synaptic receptors and is degraded by acetylcholinesterase.