pseudocholinesterase


bu·tyr·o·cho·lin·es·ter·ase

(byū'tir-ō-kō'lin-es'ter-ās), Pseudocholinesterase or plasma cholinesterase.
See also: cholinesterase.
Synonym(s): butyrylcholine esterase, pseudocholinesterase

BCHE

A gene on chromosome 3q26.1-2 that encodes butyrylcholinesterase, which has a broad substrate spectrum. It contributes to inactivation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and can degrade neurotoxic organophosphate esters.
 
Molecular pathology
Mutant alleles at BCHE are responsible for suxamethonium sensitivity.

pseudocholinesterase

A liver and plasma enzyme that rapidly metabolizes succinylcholine, a short-acting–5-10 mins–neuromuscular anesthetic, thereby controlling its duration of action; some people have congenital PChe variants, in which neuromuscular block is prolonged with usual doses of succinylcholine–and identified by determining the 'dibucaine' number; PChe activity may be ↓ in various acquired conditions–eg, liver disease–hepatitis, cirrhosis, metastasis, malnutrition, acute infections, anemia, MIs, CA, pregnancy, cytotoxic drugs, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, dermatomyositis. See Dibucaine number.

plas·ma chol·ine·ste·rase

(plaz'mă kō'lin-es'tĕr-ās) A type of cholinesterase found in plasma.
See also: fluoride number
Synonym(s): butyrylcholinesterase, pseudocholinesterase.