Definition: 'Dibucaine Number'
dibucaine number (DN)
Type: TermPronunciation: dib′yū-kān nŭm′bĕr
Definitions:
1. A test for differentiation of one of several forms of atypical pseudocholinesterases that are unable to inactivate succinylcholine at normal rates; based on the percentage of inhibition of the enzymes by dibucaine, normal enzyme has a DN of at least 75 and higher, heterozygous atypical enzyme has a DN of 40–70, and homozygous atypical enzyme has a DN of less than 20.
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