[Cholinesterases--a group of enzymes important to the anaesthesiologist (author's transl)]

The cholinesterases are two enzymes in the human body which preferably hydrolyze esters of choline. Acetylcholinesterase is structurally bound at the cholinergic synaptic junction being of physiological significance for hydrolyzing the transmitter substance acetylcholine. Pseudocholinesterase is synthesized in the liver and is dissolved in plasma and most body tissues. It has no major physiological function, however, it is of great pharmacological importance since it hydrolyzes suxamethonium. In this paper, the general properties, the mechanism of action, the inhibition by different types of inhibitors and the reactivation of the two enzymes are presented under clinical aspects.