Alanine (Ala) is a non-polar α-amino acid. L-Ala is the 2nd most abundant of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids. However, D-Ala is mainly present in some peptide antibiotics and bacterial cell walls. Ala is available from dietary sources and plays an important role in the glucose-alanine cycle between tissues and liver. In muscle and other tissues, amino acids are degraded to amino groups, which are pooled as glutamate by transamination. Glutamate subsequently transfers the amino group to pyruvate through alanine aminotransferase to produce α-ketoglutarate and alanine, which can be passed into the blood and then transported to the liver. In liver, a reverse of the alanine aminotransferase reaction occurs. The formed pyruvate can be used in gluconeogenesis to produce glucose, which then may return to muscle and other tissues through the circulatory system. Alanine levels are associated with energy intake, body mass index, higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The Alanine Colorimetric/Fluorometric Assay Kit provides a sensitive, fast and convenient way for detection of alanine levels in various biological samples based on colorimetric and fluorometric method. In the assay, alanine is converted to pyruvate which is then specifically detected leading to fluorescence (Ex/Em 535/587 nm: 0-1 nmol) or proportional color (λ = 570 nm: 0-10 nmol) development. The kit can detect serum alanine concentration: approx. 24-76 µg/mL (approx. 3-9 nmol/10 µL).
Features & Properties
Features
Fast and convenient; Simple procedure; Takes approx. 40 minutes; Kit contains all necessary reagents for accurate measurement of alanine levels.