Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor

An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor reduces the enzyme’s breakdown of acetylcholine, increasing or prolonging acetylcholine signaling at cholinergic synapses.

Acetylcholinesterase: An enzyme that hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into choline and acetate. The inhibitor acts by reducing this enzyme’s catalytic activity.
Donepezil: A reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer disease. It increases cholinergic signaling in the brain to provide symptomatic benefit.
Edrophonium: A short-acting reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor formerly used to test for myasthenia gravis. Its brief action contrasts with longer-lasting inhibitors used for ongoing treatment.
Myasthenia gravis: An autoimmune disorder in which antibodies impair transmission at the neuromuscular junction, causing fluctuating weakness. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can improve muscle strength by prolonging acetylcholine action.
Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter used at neuromuscular junctions, autonomic synapses, and throughout the central nervous system. Blocking its breakdown increases or prolongs its signaling.
Pyridostigmine: A reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat myasthenia gravis and for some nerve-agent exposures. It prolongs acetylcholine action at neuromuscular junctions.
Carbamate: A chemical group whose members can reversibly carbamylate acetylcholinesterase and other enzymes. Carbamate inhibitors typically produce reversible enzyme inhibition.
Alzheimer disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease marked by cognitive decline and characteristic brain pathology. Several inhibitors are used to lessen cognitive symptoms, though they do not stop disease progression.
Cholinergic synapse: A synapse where acetylcholine transmits signals between cells. Inhibition changes how long acetylcholine remains available at these signaling junctions.
Neostigmine: A reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in myasthenia gravis and to reverse certain neuromuscular blockers. Its peripheral action strengthens cholinergic transmission in muscle and other tissues.

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