cholinesterase
1
9.1
- noun
- /ˌkoʊlɪˈnɛstərˌeɪs/
- Specialized
- Doctors often measure cholinesterase levels to understand the impact of certain medications on a patient's nervous system.
- cholinesterase inhibitor
- cholinesterase activity
Examples
-
MP is a dangerous substance that destroys or damages an enzyme (cholinesterase) essential for the proper working of the nervous systems in humans, animals, and insects.
Academic text (2000) -
One applicator mentioned not understanding cholinesterase blood test results.
Academic text (1994) -
The pilots' cholinesterase levels could also be tested before the application of organophosphates or carbamates.
Academic text (2005) -
Acetylcholine is destroyed rapidly by cholinesterase; therefore, a difference in cholinesterase activity might explain differing responses in the hypercholesterolaemic and control groups.
Academic text (1992) -
Thirteen percent of applicators (n=173) reported having blood cholinesterase tests each spring, but only 40% of those individuals had follow-up tests in the fall.
Academic text (1994) -
Lander and Lings found that cholinesterase enzyme (ChE) activity decreased as weekly spraying time increased among greenhouse workers.
Academic text (1994) -
The cholinesterase enzyme breaks down acetylcholine in the nerve tissues, helping regulate muscle contractions.
-
An abnormal level of cholinesterase can indicate a potential health issue related to nerve function.
Synonyms
1
9.3
A chemical in the nervous system that breaks down acetylcholine
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Cholinesterase comes from three parts: choline (named from the Greek word for 'bile', as in cholesterol), ester (a type of chemical link), and -ase (a common ending for enzymes, as in lipase). So cholinesterase is an enzyme that 'breaks down' choline-related chemicals like the nerve messenger acetylcholine, which explains its role in nerve tissues.