Product Name

Butyrylcholinesterase from equine serum

Synonym

Acylcholine acyl-hydrolase, Choline esterase, butyryl, Pseudocholinesterase

Assay

≥10 units/mg protein

CAS Number

9001-08-5

MDL number

MFCD00081455

Suitability

BioReagent

l Physical and Chemical Information

Appearance

lyophilized powder

Physical form

Lyophilized powder containing buffer salts

Solubility(25°C)

cold water: 60 U/mL

l Biological Information

Biochem/Physiol Actions

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is a serine hydrolase that is structurally similar to acetylcholinesterase (AChE), but differs in substrate specificities and inhibitor sensitivities. BChE can, unlike AChE, efficiently hydrolyze larger esters of choline such as butyrylcholine and benzoylcholine. The enzyme is a tetrameric glycoprotein with four equal subunits (110 kDa each). The enzyme is activated by Ca₂₊ and Mg₂₊ and the activity is constant over the pH range 6.0-8.0. It is inhibited by betaine, nicotine, organophosphates, and carbamates.

Application

Butyrylcholinesterase from equine serum has been used in a microcalorimetric study of the inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase by paraoxon. This enzyme has also been used in a study to investigate the synthesis and inhibition of cholinergic enzymes. Selective inhibition of BChE activity can be used in the detection of organophosphates. Its use in the treatment of organophosphate toxicity has shown clinical potential, as there is a correlation between the blood level of BChE in humans and the degree of protection against toxic nerve agents. There has also been an interest in the roles of cholinesterases with regard to Alzheimer’s disease. Investigations into selective inhibitors may provide a clearer picture of the physiological role of BChE in both healthy and diseased individuals. This product has been used for the screening of cholineesterase inhibitors in selected fruits and vegetables, for restoring cognitive function and improving memory. It has also been used to develop a butyrylcholinesterase and choline oxidase immobilized bio-sniffer for the detection of nicotine. Nicotine inhibits BChE activity. A decrease in the byproducts of BChE activity reflects the volume of nicotine.

Preparation Note

This product is prepared from equine serum using ammonium sulfate fractionation and supplied as a lyophilized powder.

Unit Definition

One unit will hydrolyze 1.0 μmole of butyrylcholine to choline and butyrate per min at pH 8.0 at 37 °C. The activity obtained using butyrylcholine as substrate is ~2.5 times that obtained using acetylcholine.

l Storage

Storage temp.

-20°C

l Precautions and Disclaimer

This product is for R&D use only, not for drug, household, or other uses.

l References

1. http://www.drugbank.ca

2. https://ncit.nci.nih.gov

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov