Cholinesterase family
cholinesterase family
Cholinesterases may be classified as acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) on the basis of differential specificity for acetylcholine and butyrylcholine hydrolysis. Several inhibitors have also been shown to be selective for one of the two enzymes. AChEs are primarily associated with nerve and muscle, typically with localization at synaptic contacts, while BChE is synthesized in the liver with substantial amounts appearing in serum.