RE: What is pseudocholinesterase deficiency?

In addition to acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which acts to terminate transmission of synaptic transmission by hydrolyzing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses, there exists a second cholinesterase, pseudo- or butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The two differ in their substrate preference, as reflected in their names. While the main function of AChE is clear, there seems to be no role for BChE in synaptic transmission. The two cholinesterases do, however, display similar distribution, particularly during embryonic development, and as such may serve non-synaptic functions, possibly unrelated to their catalytic activities.

Now, onto your question. No one really knows what BChE does. There are people who lack BChE and do just fine. The only physiological effect of having no/mutant BChE I ever heard about was described by an anesthesiologist who described how BChE aids in clearing certain general anesthetics from the blood. They noted that people lacking BChE wouldn't wake up! (They didn't die, but had to be revived rather than just left to wake). Therefore, they just use different drugs for these people. If you need more information, I can direct you to references.

Hope that answers your question.

Jerry