Serum Cholinesterase Level in Several Liver Diseases

Abstract

Cholinesterase is a family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid.There are 2 types; Acetyl cholinesterase also known as erythrocyte cholinesterase found in RBCs cell membrane and pseudo-cholinesterase known as plasma cholinesterase which is synthesized mainly in hepatocyte and is released into blood and its activity is reduced in liver dysfunction due to reduced synthesis.Cholinesterase represents a group of enzymes that hydrolyze acetylcholine and other choline esters. There are two main types of cholinesterase with different biochemical properties: true or specific cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase found in all excitable tissues (central and peripheral nervous system and muscles) and in erythrocytes. It is a high-turnover enzyme with high affinity for acetylcholine, inhibited at high concentrations of acetylcholine, and with low affinity for nonchlorine esters.