<Table> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> View / Edit Human </Td> <Td_colspan="2"> View / Edit Mouse </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> View / Edit Human </Td> <Td_colspan="2"> View / Edit Mouse </Td> </Tr> <P> Acetylcholinesterase (HGNC symbol ACHE; EC 3.1. 1.7), also known as AChE or acetylhydrolase, is the primary cholinesterase in the body . It is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine and of some other choline esters that function as neurotransmitters . AChE is found at mainly neuromuscular junctions and in chemical synapses of the cholinergic type, where its activity serves to terminate synaptic transmission . It belongs to carboxylesterase family of enzymes . It is the primary target of inhibition by organophosphorus compounds such as nerve agents and pesticides . </P> <P> AChE is a hydrolase that hydrolyzes choline esters . It has a very high catalytic activity--each molecule of AChE degrades about 25000 molecules of acetylcholine (ACh) per second, approaching the limit allowed by diffusion of the substrate . The active site of AChE comprises 2 subsites--the anionic site and the esteratic subsite . The structure and mechanism of action of AChE have been elucidated from the crystal structure of the enzyme . </P>

What is the role of acetylcholinesterase in the neuromuscular junction