acetylcholinesterase

[/əˌsɛtəlˌkoʊlɪnˈɛstəreɪs/]
nounfemininepl: acetylcholinesterases / acetilcolinesterases
acetilcolinesterase
1. An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid at neuromuscular junctions and cholinergic synapses in the nervous system
Acetylcholinesterase is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system as it terminates synaptic transmission.
A acetilcolinesterase é essencial para o funcionamento adequado do sistema nervoso, pois encerra a transmissão sináptica.
2. A key enzyme in neurotransmission that is targeted by certain pesticides and nerve agents
Organophosphate pesticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to neurotoxic effects.
Pesticidas organofosforados inibem a acetilcolinesterase, causando efeitos neurotóxicos.
This term is exclusively used in medical, pharmaceutical, and neuroscientific contexts in both English and Portuguese-speaking countries. It has gained prominence in public discourse following discussions about nerve agents, pesticide safety, and neurological medications. The abbreviation AChE is universally recognized in scientific literature across all English and Portuguese-speaking regions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cholinesteraseAChEtrue cholinesterasespecific cholinesterase

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
acetilcolinesterase
Standard medical and scientific term used throughout Brazil
Portugal
acetilcolinesterase
Same term used in European Portuguese scientific contexts
Medical/Scientific Context
AChE (abbreviation)
Commonly abbreviated in research and clinical settings across all Portuguese-speaking regions

Related Words

acetylcholineneurotransmittersynapseenzymecholinergicinhibitorneuromuscular junction
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