Description

• General description: Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC/ALCAR), a quasi-vitamin[1] is a metabolite of carnitine, present in mammalian plasma and tissues.[2] It is the acetylated form of L-carnitine (LC).[1] ALCAR is used as a dietary supplement.[2] It is present at high level in the hypothalamus.[1]
• Application: O-Acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride has been used: as a bioactive compound to study its effect on the proliferation of B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (BLCL) and its immune modulating properties on influenza virus specific human B and T cell responses in vitro[3]as in vitro maturation (IVM) media component to study its effects on lamb oocyte blastocyst rate, ultrastructure and mitochondrial DNA copy number[4] as a metabolite/chemical standard to quantify the metabolite levels in murine tumor interstitial fluid[5]
• Biochem/physiol Actions: Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) plays a vital role in intermediary metabolism and in improving female fertility. The oxidative and metabolic status of the female reproductive system is controlled by ALC. ALC possesses cholinomimetic[1] and anti-inflammatory effects.[2] It controls γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) system.[1] ALC is capable of modifying the rate of glucose usage in the brain. It also possesses a neuroprotective role in the developing brain.[2]