BCHE/Cholinesterase Polyclonal

Butyrylcholine esterase (BCHE), designated acylcholine acylhydrolase or pseudocholinesterase, has esterase activity as well as aryl acylamidase activity. The encoded enzyme exhibits broad substrate specificity and is involved in the detoxification of poisons including organophosphate nerve agents and pesticides, and the metabolism of drugs including cocaine, heroin and aspirin. Humans homozygous for certain mutations in this gene exhibit prolonged apnea after administration of the muscle relaxant succinylcholine. Defects in the gene encoding BCHE are associated with the disease hypocholinesterasemia. Inhibition of BCHE effects the toxicity of organophosphates in the respiratory system suggesting that BCHE may play a role in respiratory function. In addition, BChE may play an important pharmocological role by hydrolyzing toxic esters. This suggests an involvement of BChE in a treatment for intoxication with substances such as cocaine.