Present in most cells except erythrocytes, butyrylcholine esterase (BChE), also designated acylcholine acylhydrolase or pseudocholinesterase, has esterase activity as well as aryl acylamidase activity. It hydrolyzes acylcholine into choline and carboxylate. BChE is synthesized in the liver and is highly reactive with organophosphate esters. BChE can form a homotetramer composed of two dimers linked by a disulfide bond. Defects in the gene encoding BChE are associated with the disease hypocholinesterasemia. Inhibition of BChE effects the toxicity of organophosphates in the respiratory system suggesting that BChE may play a role in respiratory function. In addition, BChE may play an important pharmocological role by hydrolyzing toxic esters. This suggests an involvement of BChE in a treatment for intoxication with substances such as cocaine.
