ACETYLCHOLINE ESTERASE

acetylcholine esterase: translation

An enzyme, found in the synaptic clefts of cholinergic synapses, that cleaves the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into its constituents, acetate and choline, thus limiting the size and duration of the postsynaptic potential. Many nerve gases and insecticides are potent acetylcholine esterase inhibitors, and thus prolong the timecourse of postsynaptic potentials.