An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor or anti-cholinesterase is a chemical that inhibits the cholinesterase enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine, increasing both the level and duration of action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Uses
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors:
Examples
Reversible inhibitor
Compounds which function as reversible competitive or noncompetitive inhibitors of cholinesterase are those most likely to have therapeutic uses. These include:
Huperzine A
Comparison table
Quasi-irreversible inhibitor
Compounds which function as quasi-irreversible inhibitors of cholinesterase are those most likely to have use as chemical weapons or pesticides. These include:
Natural Compounds
Effects
Some major effects of cholinesterase inhibitors:
- Actions on the autonomic nervous system, that is parasympathetic nervous system will cause bradycardia, hypotension, hypersecretion, bronchoconstriction, GI tract hypermotility, and decrease intraocular pressure.
- SLUDGE syndrome.
- Actions on the neuromuscular junction will result in prolonged muscle contraction.
Titration phase
When used in the central nervous system to alleviate neurological symptoms, such as rivastigmine in Alzheimer's disease, all cholinesterase inhibitors require doses to be increased gradually over several weeks, and this is usually referred to as the titration phase.[2]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Unless else specified n boxes, then ref is:Rang, H. P. (2003). Pharmacology. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 0-443-07145-4. Page 156
- ^ Inglis F. “The tolerability and safety of cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia.” Int J Clin Pract. 2002;(127):45-63. PMID 12139367
External links
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