butylcholinesterase

Butylcholinesterase, also known as pseudocholinesterase or plasma cholinesterase, is an enzyme found primarily in the blood plasma, but also in the liver and skin. It plays a role in the hydrolysis of certain ester-containing compounds, including some drugs and environmental toxins. Unlike acetylcholinesterase, which is crucial for neurotransmission at synapses, butylcholinesterase's physiological function in the body is not fully understood, though it is believed to be involved in detoxifying xenobiotics.

Genetic variations in the gene encoding butylcholinesterase can lead to a deficiency or altered activity of the enzyme. This can have significant clinical implications, particularly in individuals who are exposed to certain muscle relaxants, such as succinylcholine, during surgery. In these individuals, a deficient or atypical form of butylcholinesterase may not break down succinylcholine effectively, leading to prolonged muscle paralysis and respiratory depression. Genetic testing can identify individuals at risk for these adverse reactions. Furthermore, butylcholinesterase levels can be affected by various medical conditions, including liver disease, malnutrition, and certain cancers, as well as by exposure to organophosphate pesticides. Monitoring butylcholinesterase activity can therefore serve as a diagnostic or prognostic marker in certain clinical contexts.