Is Intracellular Acetylcholinesterase Involved in the Processing of Peptide Neurotransmitters?

Abstract

The evidence that acetylcholinesterase may be a peptidase with a role in the processing of the precursors of some neuropeptides is briefly summarized. The proposition that the rate of processing and not the synthesis of the precursor may be the limiting step in the provision of neuropeptides to the nerve terminal will also be evaluated.

Key Words:

• Acetylcholinesterase
• Enkephalin
• Substance P
• Intracellular Peptidase