L(-)-Carnitine hydrochloride

Chemical Properties

white to slightly beige crystalline powder

Uses

L-Carnitine hydrochloride has been used to study ergothioneine transporter SLC22A4 and carnitine transporter SLC22A5. It has also been used to allow the entry of palmitic acid into the mitochondria.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Carnitine is a quaternary amine that occurs naturally in most mammalian tissue. It is present in relatively high concentrations in skeletal muscle and heart where it is involved in regulating energy metabolism. It shifts glucose metabolism from glycolysis to glycogen storage and enhances the transport of long chain fatty acids into the mitochondria where they are oxidized for energy production.