The mechanism of action of acetylcholinesterase
Cholinergic nerve transmission is terminated by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AchE). AchE is found both on the post-synaptic membrane of cholinergic synapses and in other tissues eg red blood cells. Acetylcholine (Ach) binds to AchE and is hydrolysed to acetate and choline. This inactivates the Ach and the nerve impulse is halted. AchE inhibitors (eg rivastigmine) prevent the hydrolysis of Ach, which increases the concentration of Ach in the synaptic cleft; AchE inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
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References
Introduction to autonomic pharmacology. In: Basic and clinical pharmacology, 8th edition. Katzung BG. USA: The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc, 2001:75–91.