acetylcholinesterase

n.
Any of various enzymes in the blood and in certain tissues that catalyze the hydrolysis of acetylcholine.

An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (ACh) into choline and acetic acid. Acetylcholinesterase is released onto the sarcolemma of muscle fibres and destroys ACh after the ACh has combined with receptors on the muscle fibre. Thus, acetylcholinesterase prevents continued muscle contraction in the absence of additional nervous stimulation.

(ə-sēt'l-kō'lə-nĕs'tə-rās', -rāz')
n.

Any of various enzymes in the blood and in certain tissues that catalyze the hydrolysis of acetylcholine.

An enzyme present in nervous tissue, muscle and red cells that catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine to choline and acetic acid; called also true cholinesterase. Abbreviated AChE.

• a. antagonists — organophosphorus compounds and carbamates that act by inactivating acetylcholinesterase; hence poisoning by these compounds has parasympatheticomimetic manifestations.