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Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab235937) combines the specific acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE; EC 3.1.1.8) substrates and a selective BChE inhibitor to measure and distinguish AChE and BChE activities in Whole Blood samples without separating plasma from erythrocytes.

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Images

Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (AB235937), expandable thumbnail
  • Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (AB235937), expandable thumbnail
  • Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (AB235937), expandable thumbnail
  • Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (AB235937), expandable thumbnail

Publications

Key facts

Detection method
Colorimetric
Sample types
Whole Blood
Assay type
Enzyme activity (quantitative)
Reactive species
Mammals

Target data

Function

Hydrolyzes rapidly the acetylcholine neurotransmitter released into the synaptic cleft allowing to terminate the signal transduction at the neuromuscular junction. Role in neuronal apoptosis.

Additional Targets

BCHE

Alternative names

What's included?

100 Test
Components
AChE Positive Control
1 x 1 Each
AChE Substrate
1 x 1 Each
Assay Buffer 41
1 x 100 mL
BChE Inhibitor
1 x 1 Each
BChE Positive Control
1 x 1 Each
BChE Substrate
1 x 100 µL
DTNB
2 x 1 Each
TNB Standard
1 x 1 Each

Recommended products

Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab235937) combines the specific acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE; EC 3.1.1.8) substrates and a selective BChE inhibitor to measure and distinguish AChE and BChE activities in Whole Blood samples without separating plasma from erythrocytes.

Key facts

Detection method
Colorimetric
Sample types
Whole Blood
Assay type
Enzyme activity (quantitative)
Reactive species
Mammals
Assay Platform
Microplate reader

Storage

Shipped at conditions
Blue Ice
Appropriate short-term storage conditions
-20°C
Appropriate long-term storage conditions
-20°C
Storage information
-20°C

Notes

Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab235937) combines the specific acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE; EC 3.1.1.8) substrates and a selective BChE inhibitor to measure and distinguish AChE and BChE activities in Whole Blood samples without separating plasma from erythrocytes. The principle is based on the ability of AChE and BChE to hydrolyze their respective substrates and produce thiocholine. Thiocholine reacts with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) generating a yellow chromophore (TNB) that can be quantified at 412 nm. It is simple, easy to implement, and useful in clinical research to monitor exposure to anti- Cholinesterase compounds in blood Samples.

This product is manufactured by BioVision, an Abcam company and was previously called K975 Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric). K975-100 is the same size as the 100 test size of ab235937.

Cholinesterase (ChE) consists of a group of enzymes that hydrolyze choline esters. There are two ChE isoenzymes in blood: acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7), also known as erythrocytes or true ChE, which is found mainly in red blood cells; and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE; EC 3.1.1.8), also known as plasma ChE or pseudo-ChE, which is present in plasma. Blood AChE or BChE activity would be selectively reduced by exposing them to poisonous chemical agents, insecticides such as organophosphates or carbamates, anesthetics, and a variety of therapeutic drugs including donepezil or rivastigmine which are used for treating Alzheimer's diseases. Therefore, Blood Cholinesterases (ChE=AChE+BChE) are potential biomarkers of suppressed and/or increased central and peripheral nervous system activity and tools for confirming possible therapeutics. Since plasma BChE and erythrocyte AChE can be selectively inhibited by certain insecticides or drugs, quantification of both isoenzymes' activities is important.

REACH authorisation
Abcam has not and does not intend to apply for the REACH Authorisation of customers' uses of products that contain European Authorisation list (Annex XIV) substances.
It is the responsibility of our customers to check the necessity of application of REACH Authorisation, and any other relevant authorisations, for their intended uses.

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
Activity summary

Butyrylcholinesterase often called BuChE or BChE is a serine hydrolase enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ester compounds such as butyrylcholine. It has a molecular mass of approximately 85 kDa. BChE is structurally similar to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and is found in various tissues with high expression in the liver plasma and the central nervous system. This enzyme acts as a scavenger by breaking down circulating choline esters and certain therapeutic drugs playing an important role in detoxifying the blood.

Biological function summary

This enzyme is significant in nervous system function and is not restricted to acetylcholine breakdown but can hydrolyze larger ester molecules. It forms part of a complex regulatory mechanism alongside acetylcholinesterase ensuring precise modulating of neurotransmitter signaling. BChE can also serve as a backup to acetylcholinesterase in breaking down neurotransmitters therefore contributing to maintaining synaptic balance and functionality.

Pathways

BuChE is involved in the cholinergic signaling pathway playing a significant role in neurotransmitter regulation. This pathway is important for muscle activation and memory processing. BChE also impacts the metabolism of certain ester-type drugs used in anesthesia. Its activity balances with acetylcholinesterase modulating the availability of acetylcholine within synaptic clefts and seamlessly integrating into broader physiological processes.

Associated diseases and disorders

Altered BChE activity correlates with Alzheimer's disease and certain liver diseases. In Alzheimer's decreased BChE activity parallels reduced acetylcholinesterase function which affects cholinergic transmission in the brain contributing to memory deficits. Disorders like liver cirrhosis also show a compromised BChE level due to liver's impaired enzyme production aligning it closely with liver function and disease diagnostics.

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4 product images

  • Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab235937), expandable thumbnail

    Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab235937)

  • Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab235937), expandable thumbnail

    Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab235937)

  • Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab235937), expandable thumbnail

    Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab235937)

  • Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab235937), expandable thumbnail

    Functional Studies - Cholinesterase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric) (ab235937)

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Product protocols

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