Description
Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) belongs to the same structural class of proteins as acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The 440kDa tetrameric glycoprotein is predominantly found in blood, kidneys, intestine, liver, lung, heart and the central nervous system. BChE preferentially acts on butyrylcholine, but also hydrolyzes acetylcholine. Alzheimer"s disease appears to be associated with decreased acetylcholinesterase activity and an increase in Butyrylcholinesterase activity. BChE activity, therefore, has potential applications as a biomarker for progression or as a target for future therapies