The enzyme pseudocholinesterase acts on?
## **Core Concept**
Pseudocholinesterase, also known as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), is an enzyme that hydrolyzes choline esters. It is distinct from acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which primarily terminates the signal transmission at the synapse by hydrolyzing acetylcholine. Pseudocholinesterase is found in the plasma and has a broader substrate specificity compared to acetylcholinesterase.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **Suxamethonium (Succinylcholine)**, is a depolarizing muscle relaxant that is metabolized by pseudocholinesterase. This enzyme rapidly hydrolyzes suxamethonium into choline and succinic acid, which terminates its action. Individuals with a deficiency in pseudocholinesterase activity can experience prolonged apnea due to delayed metabolism of suxamethonium.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is blank and does not provide a valid choice for comparison.
- **Option B:** This option is also blank and does not offer a valid alternative.
- **Option C:** Similarly, this option is blank and lacks relevant information.
- **Option D:** This option is blank as well, providing no alternative to evaluate.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical point to remember is that patients with **pseudocholinesterase deficiency** are at risk of prolonged apnea if administered succinylcholine. This deficiency can be genetic, and certain ethnic groups are more commonly affected. A simple test to assess this risk is the **dibucaine test**, which measures the inhibition of pseudocholinesterase activity by dibucaine.
## **Correct Answer:** D. Suxamethonium (Succinylcholine)