Where are esters metabolized?

Where are esters metabolized?

• A. Liver
• B. Brain
• C. Plasma via Esterases
• D. Kidney

Answer: (C)

Esters are rapidly metabolized by hydrolysis through esterases in the circulating blood. In humans, plasma esterases such as butyrylcholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) cleave the ester bond, converting the drug into the corresponding alcohol and carboxylic acid as it travels in the bloodstream. This quick plasma-based metabolism often shortens the duration of ester-containing drugs and is a common activation step for certain prodrugs once they reach the circulation. While the liver does have esterases and can contribute to hydrolysis, the primary site for rapid ester metabolism is the plasma. The brain and kidney have comparatively less ester-hydrolyzing activity, so they are not the main sites of ester metabolism.

Esters are rapidly metabolized by hydrolysis through esterases in the circulating blood. In humans, plasma esterases such as butyrylcholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) cleave the ester bond, converting the drug into the corresponding alcohol and carboxylic acid as it travels in the bloodstream. This quick plasma-based metabolism often shortens the duration of ester-containing drugs and is a common activation step for certain prodrugs once they reach the circulation. While the liver does have esterases and can contribute to hydrolysis, the primary site for rapid ester metabolism is the plasma. The brain and kidney have comparatively less ester-hydrolyzing activity, so they are not the main sites of ester metabolism.