Butyrylcholinesterase from equine serum has been used in a microcalorimetric study of the inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase by paraoxon. This enzyme has also been used in a study to investigate the synthesis and inhibition of cholinergic enzymes.

• Lyophilised powder containing buffer salts

Selective inhibition of BChE activity can be used in the detection of organophosphates. Its use in the treatment of organophosphate toxicity has shown clinical potential, as there is a correlation between the blood level of BChE in humans and the degree of protection against toxic nerve agents. There has also been an interest in the roles of cholinesterases with regard to Alzheimer’s disease. Selective inhibition of BChE activity can be used in the detection of organophosphates. Its use in the treatment of organophosphate toxicity has shown clinical potential, as there is a correlation between the blood level of BChE in humans and the degree of protection against toxic nerve agents. There has also been an interest in the roles of cholinesterases with regard to Alzheimer’s disease.

One unit will hydrolyse 1,0 μM of butyrylcholine to choline and butyrate per min at pH 8,0 at 37 °C. The activity obtained using butyrylcholine as substrate is ~2,5 times that obtained using acetylcholine.