Cholinesterase inhibitors are compounds that inhibit the activity of cholinesterase enzymes, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). These enzymes are responsible for hydrolyzing acetylcholine into choline and acetate, thereby terminating synaptic transmission. By inhibiting these enzymes, cholinesterase inhibitors increase the levels of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission.
