L-carnitine 600 mg/ml

One Peptides L-Carnitine 600 mg – chemical reagent for laboratory tests

L-carnitine 600 mg – Research Use Only (RUO). Chemical reagent intended only for laboratory tests. It is not intended for human consumption or diagnostic purposes.

Introduction and research framework

L-Carnitine (levocarnitine) is a naturally occurring organic compound, an amino acid derivative that plays a key role in the energy metabolism of cells. It is necessary for the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane, where they undergo β-oxidation.

Carnitine was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century in muscle tissue (Latin: carnis – meat) and has since become the subject of intensive biochemical research. Its central role in lipid metabolism and ATP production makes it an important tool in cellular bioenergetics research.

General characteristics of the compound L-carnitine 600 mg

L-Carnitine is β-hydroxy-γ-trimethylaminobutyrate, a quaternary amino acid synthesized in the body from lysine and methionine. Its main biological function is the transport of acyl CoA residues to the mitochondrial matrix in a process called the carnitine cycle.

In scientific research, L-carnitine is used as:

• Mitochondrial metabolism research tool
• Model in the study of fatty acid β-oxidation
• The standard in cellular bioenergetics research
• Substrate for carnitine acyltransferases

One Peptides L-Carnitine 600 mg is supplied at a higher concentration, ideal for studies requiring larger amounts of substrate or longer experimental protocols.

What is L-Carnitine 600 mg?

L-Carnitine is an endogenous compound present in all mammalian tissues, with particularly high concentrations in skeletal muscles and the heart. The body synthesizes carnitine in the liver and kidneys, but a significant part also comes from the diet (mainly red meat).

Endogenous Biosynthesis

Physiological Concentrations

History of Discovery

Structure and physicochemical properties

Chemical Structure

L-Carnitine is β-hydroxy-γ-trimethylaminobutyrate with one chiral center in the (R) configuration.

Scientific name (IUPAC):
(3R)-3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylazaniumyl)butanoate

Physicochemical properties

Stereoisomerism

Only the L-form (R configuration) is biologically active and recognized by the enzymes of the carnitine system:

• L-Carnitine (R): biologically active
• D-Carnitine (S): inactive, potential inhibitor

Derivative Forms and Esters

Purity, identification and quality control

Analytical Methods

HPLC:
– Detection at 210 nm or after derivatization
– HILIC column or C18 ion-pairing
– Chiral analysis to confirm enantiomers

Mass spectrometry:
– ESI-MS: [M+H]+ = 162.1 m/z
– Characteristic fragmentation: loss of 59 (trimethylamine)

Storage and laboratory handling

Preparation of Solutions

Solubility:
– Water: >2500 mg/ml (excellent)
– Water buffers: excellent
– Ethanol: moderate
– DMSO: okay

Concentration Calculation

For a 600 mg preparation with a molar mass of 161.20 g/mol:

• 600 mg = 3.72 mmol
• Dissolution in 10 ml H2O = 372 mM
• Typical working concentrations: 0.1-10 mM

Mechanism of action at the molecular level

Carnitine Cycle

L-Carnitine is a key element of the carnitine cycle, enabling the transport of acyl-CoA across the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), which is impermeable to CoA.

Detailed stages of the cycle:

1. CPT-1 (outer mitochondrial membrane):
   Acyl-CoA + L-carnitine → Acyl-carnitine + CoA-SH

• Rate limiting enzyme
• Inhibited by malonyl-CoA
• Isoforms: CPT-1A (liver), CPT-1B (muscle), CPT-1C (brain)

2. CACT (translocase):

• Transport of acylcarnitine into the matrix
• Antiport with free carnitine
• The only transporter for acylcarnitines

3. CPT-2 (inner mitochondrial membrane):
   Acyl-carnitine + CoA-SH → Acyl-CoA + L-carnitine

• Regeneration of acyl-CoA in the matrix
• Not regulated by malonyl-CoA

4. β-oxidation (matrix):

• Cyclic shortening of the acyl chain
• Products: acetyl-CoA, FADH2, NADH

CPT-1 regulation

Research on Cell Cultures

L-carnitine tested on various cell types:

• Cardiomyocytes: main source of energy from β-oxidation
• Myotubes (C2C12): skeletal muscle metabolism
• Hepatocytes: ketogenesis and gluconeogenesis
• Adipocytes: lipolysis and lipid metabolism
• Cancer cells: Warburg metabolism vs. β-oxidation

Applications in Scientific Research

Mitochondrial Bioenergetics

• Measurement of fatty acid β-oxidation
• ATP production from lipids
• Function of the respiratory chain
• Cellular respirometry

Enzymatic Research

• Kinetics of CPT-1A, CPT-1B, CPT-2
• Substrate specificity
• Inhibition by malonyl-CoA
• CACT characteristics

Lipid metabolism

• Transport of fatty acids
• Acylcarnitine profile
• Ketogenesis
• Interaction with glucose metabolism

Comparative Research

• L-carnitine vs acetyl-L-carnitine
• Differences between CPT isoforms
• Effects of carnitine deficiency (in vitro)

Summary

L-Carnitine is an endogenous compound that plays a key role in the transport of long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria. The 600 mg formulation offers a larger amount of substrate for studies requiring higher concentrations or longer experimental protocols.

Check out the rest too amino acids in our store.

Science FAQ

1. What is L-carnitine 600 mg and what is its biological role?

L-Carnitine (C7H15NO3, mass 161.20 g/mol, CAS 541-15-1) is an endogenous quaternary amino acid necessary for the transport of long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondrial matrix via the carnitine cycle. Enables β-oxidation of lipids and ATP production.

2. What is the difference between 600 mg and 200 mg?

The difference only concerns the content of the active substance (600 mg vs 200 mg). Purity, quality and chemical properties are identical. The higher content of 600 mg is beneficial for studies requiring larger amounts of substrate or the preparation of higher concentration solutions.

3. How to store L-carnitine?

Store aqueous solutions at -20°C and use within a few weeks.

4. How to calculate the molar concentration from a 600 mg preparation?

The molar mass of L-carnitine is 161.20 g/mol. The 600 mg preparation contains 3.72 mmol. Dissolving in 10 ml gives a concentration of 372 mM. Typical working concentrations for cellular studies are 0.1-10 mM.

5. What tests is L-carnitine 600 mg used for?

L-carnitine is used for in vitro research on: mitochondrial bioenergetics, β-oxidation of fatty acids, kinetics of CPT-1 and CPT-2 enzymes, lipid metabolism and as a substrate in acylcarnitine transport tests. It is not intended for use on humans or animals.