Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) terminates the neurotransmission at cholinergic synapses by splitting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The nature and didtribution of the enzyme has extensively been studied in many invertebrates and vertebrates including human, histochemically and biochemically. The enzyme demonstrates a high degree of variability in distribution with its notable presense in nonneuronal tissues also, which provides pertinent theme to investigate its nonclassical role.

Recently a lot of information has come out regarding its dynamic structure, gene expression, its role in neuronal morphogenesis and synaptogenesis. The significance of AChE stems from the fact that it is the target of drugs designed to treat myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, alzheimer's disease etc.

Keeping in view, above mentioned facts a thorough review has been made in the present article regarding its biochemistry, structural dynamics, wide distribution, isoforms and its implications in neurodegenerative disorders.

doi: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.2008.150403

Competing interests: None.   Source of Funding: None

Received Date: 08 Sept 2008     Revised Date: 13 Oct 2008     Accepted Date: 22 Oct 2008