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Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

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Cholinesterase<br />

Cholinesterase is a naturally-occurring enzyme in the synaptic cleft that breaks down aceytlcholine<br />

(Ach). Cholinesterase reduces the activity of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction.<br />

Anticholinesterase drugs inhibit cholinesterase thereby increasing the amount of acetylcholine<br />

in the neuromuscular junction. <strong>The</strong> Ach, then, is better able to compete with nondepolarizing<br />

muscle relaxant molecules for Ach receptors.<br />

Related Glossary Terms<br />

Acetylcholine, Anticholinesterase, Autonomic nervous system, Neostigmine, Neuromuscular<br />

junction, Nicotinic, Non-depolarizing muscle relaxants, Residual block<br />

Index<br />

Find Term<br />

Chapter 3 - General <strong>Anesthesia</strong><br />

Chapter 6 - Anticholinesterase and Anticholinergics

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