Synonyms
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; ACHE inhibitors; AchEIs; CHEIs; Cholinesterase inhibitors
Definition
A class of substances that target the cholinergic neurotransmitter system and are often used in the treatment of memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nonclinical uses include agricultural applications such as pesticides and military applications such as the development of neurotoxins. Acetylcholine is normally released by the presynpatic neuron and activates receptors on the postsynaptic cell. Acetylcholinesterase is the primary enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. Agents such as cholinesterase inhibitors block the activity of this enzyme, allowing the neurotransmitter substance to remain in the synaptic cleft longer to stimulate postsynaptic receptors (see Cholinesterase Inhibitors).
Current Knowledge
Clinical Indications
Cholinesterase inhibitors (CHEI) are often used in the treatment of memory and other cognitive disorders. In AD,...
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References and Readings
Feldman, R. S., Meyer, J. S., & Quenzer, L. F. (1997). Acetylcholine. In Principles of Neuropsychoparhmacology (pp. 246–249). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates, Inc.
Iversen, L. L., Iversen, S. D., Bloom, F. E., & Roth, R. H. (2008). Acetylcholine. In Introduction to Neuropsychopharmacology (pp. 128–149). New York: Oxford University Press.
Orgogozo, J.-M. (2003). Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease with cholinesterase inhibitors. An update on currently used drugs. In K. Iqbal & B. Winblad (Eds.), Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders: Research advances (pp. 663–675). Bucharest: Ana Asian Intl. Acad. of Aging.
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Tschanz, J., Vernon, E.K. (2018). Anticholinesterase Inhibitors. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1770
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1770
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