Pseudocholinesterase

Pseudocholinesterase is an enzyme produced by the liver to catalyze the hydrolysis of choline esters belonging to the family of choılinesterases (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase etc). Acetylcholinesterase is found in erythrocytes, in lungs and spleen, in nerve endings and in gray matter of the brain. It is responsible for hydrolysis of acetylcholine, released at nerve endings to mediate transmission of neural impulse across the synapse. This is called true cholinestherase. Pseudocholinesterase is found in liver, pancreas, heart and white matter of the brain. Its biological role is unknown but it shown that, it metabolizes the muscle relactants succinylcholine and mivacurium therefore, alterations in pseudocholine activities will influence the physiologic effect of these drugs.
Interpretation: In some people (%1 of the population), the genetic variants of this enzyme are present, thus they cannot metabolize the muscle relaxant succinylcholine and mivacurium and experience prolonged apnea. Dibucaine and fluoride normally inhibit PCHA activity, but in these patients with low enzyme activity, this inhibition does not occur. These properties are useful to measure the patient’s tolerance for anesthesis. Decreasing or low levels may indicate exposure to organophosphorous insectisides.
Sample: Arm vein blood. Nonfasting
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: Same day 6:00 PM