acetylcholinesterase

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

acetylcholinesterase \acetylcholinesterase\ n.
   1. an enzyme which exists in nerve cells and hydrolyses
      acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid.

   Note: It is essential for neurotransmission at autonomous
         synapses and neuromuscular junctions, and its
         inhibition by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can
         paralyze or kill an animal.

   Syn: ACE
        [PJC]