L-Glutamine/Glutamate Assay Kit

Price $260
Product Description: Protocol Download
Glutamine is a glucogenic amino acid and the most abundant free amino acid in human blood. The amino acid is synthesized by glutamine synthetase from glutamate and ammonia predominantly in muscle, accounting for ~90% of all glutamine synthesized. Supplementation with glutamine is therefore beneficial during times of skeletal muscle wasting. Although normally synthesized in adequate amounts, endogenous glutamine production may be inadequate during periods of metabolic stress. In the anaplerotic pathway, which can be upregulated in some cancer cells, glutamine can be converted via glutaminase and glutamate dehydrogenase to α-ketoglutarate and incorporated into the Krebs cycle where it can serve as a supplementary carbon. In addition, glutamine transports NH3 to the kidney to maintain acid-base balance and between organs for biosynthesis of nucleotides, amino sugars, and glutathione. The assay is based on (1) conversion of glutamine to glutamate by glutaminase (see accompanied graph below), and (2) glutamate oxidation/deamination by glutamate dehydrogenase in the presence of NAD+. The NADH formed can be measured colorimetrically at 492 nm using a microplate format. Kit components are stable for at least one year if stored and handled properly.