Different drug-processing enzymes with atropineand cocainesterase activities reported in rabbits and humans

The genetic system involved in atropine and cocaine metabolism in rabbits is different from that implied in humans. In a very simple configuration, two linked autosomal genes located on rabbit chromosome 5 are involved in those two drugs metabolism in this species. A specific atropinesterase activity is missing in humans, but a more complicated cocainesterase activity was reported. Two autosomal genes, hCE-1 and hCE-2, are mainly involved in the metabolism of various esters of cocaine. A butyrylcholinesterase, whose gene is located on human chromosome 3, was also reported in this regard. This review aimed at comprehensively assessing and discussing the atropinesterase and cocainesterase activities in rabbits and humans, with implications in various drugs' metabolism and detoxification.