LiquiMAX CHOLINESTERASE (Butyrylthio Choline Method)

Serum cholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase, cholinesterase II or PCHE) is found in the liver, pancreas, heart, serum and in the white matter of the brain. This serum enzyme should not be confused with cetylcholinesterase from erythrocytes (EC 3.1.1.7), which is also referred to as cholinesterase I. The biological function of cholinesterase is unknown. Clinically, it serves as an indicator of possible insecticide poisoning, and is measured as an index of liver function. Pre-operative screening of cholinesterase is used to detect patients with atypical forms of enzyme and hence avoid prolonged apnea caused by slow elimination of muscle relaxants. Depressed cholinesterase levels are found in cases of intoxication with organophosphorus compounds and in hepatitis, cirrhosis, myocardial infarction, acute infections and atypical phenotypes of the enzyme.