Human butyrylcholinesterase

Human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is a plasma enzyme produced in the liver and encoded by the BCHE gene. It hydrolyzes acetylcholine and other choline esters, though with lower efficiency than acetylcholinesterase. BChE acts as a biological scavenger for various bioactive esters and is used clinically as a prophylactic countermeasure against organophosphate nerve agents by binding these agents in the bloodstream before they can affect the nervous system. Recombinant forms of human BChE are being developed for therapeutic use, including prevention of nerve agent toxicity and treatment of cocaine overdose or addiction through rapid hydrolysis of cocaine. Phase I clinical trials have shown that pure human BChE is safe when administered to humans[2][4][5]. Gene therapy approaches are also under investigation to provide long-term expression of therapeutic levels of BChE[2]. Additionally, low levels of BChE have been associated with increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)[5].

Brand names

Pseudocholinesterase

Other names

butyrylcholinesteraseBChEpseudocholinesterase