Atypical and Inhibited Human Serum Pseudocholinesterase

Abstract

A method is described for differentiating between lowered pseudocholinesterase levels due to exposure to organophosphate insecticides and those due to a genetically determined deficiency. The method employs a pH-Stat, acetylcholine iodide as the substrate, and dibucaine hydrochloride as an inhibitor. A histogram of typical dibucaine numbers (percent inhibition) and a discussion of the relevance of the concept of dibucaine number to exposure is presented.