Carnitine, carnitine acyltransferases, and rat brain function

Analysis of multiple quaternary ammonium compounds in the brain using tandem capillary column separation and high resolution mass spectrometric detection

“…In agreement with our results, these studies have also shown a heterogeneous distribution of long-chain acylcarnitines in the areas investigated, with low content observed in the frontal cortex and high content observed in regions not examined in the present study such as the cerebellum and hypothalamus [44].…”

“…Only few studies have so far addressed the differential distribution of carnitine and its acyl derivatives in specific brain regions [44,45], although these studies have generally not distinguished among different long-chained acylcarnitines. In agreement with our results, these studies have also shown a heterogeneous distribution of long-chain acylcarnitines in the areas investigated, with low content observed in the frontal cortex and high content observed in regions not examined in the present study such as the cerebellum and hypothalamus [44].…”

Prevention of postischemic canine neurological injury through potentiation of brain energy metabolism by acetyl-L-carnitine.

“…Brain does possess a relatively high carnitine acetyltransferase activity that may promote net efflux of mitochondrial acetyl-CoA into the cytosol for use in anabolic pathways. 12 It is thus possible that a second role for intracellular carnitine in our experimental model could be one of activating pyruvate dehydrogenase by lowering the intramitochondrial level of the allosteric inhibitor acetyl-CoA. Alternatively, elevated intracellular acetylcarnitine could serve as a substrate for aerobic metabolism which, when stimulated, inhibits anaerobic glycolysis by normal mechanisms of regulation.…”

“…Both acetyl-L-carnitine and carnitine acetyltransferase are present throughout the central nervous system, demonstrating similar areas of concentration throughout the brain. 12 It has been demonstrated in several different models that L-carnitine as well as acetyl-L-carnitine can increase the metabolic rate of mitochondria, thus improving mitochondrial oxygen utilization in these systems, 1314 making this a potentially useful drug to counteract some of the effects of ischemic injury to the brain. This concept is further supported by other in vitro studies indicating that carnitine can stimulate aerobic pyruvate metabolism, thereby inhibiting flux of pyruvate to lactic acid, a known potentiator of ischemic injury.…”

Effects of Long-term Acetyl-L-carnitine Administration in Rats I. Increased Dopamine Output in Mesocorticolimbic Areas and Protection toward Acute Stress Exposure

“…Total carnitine in different brain areas appears to be homogeneously distributed, and its concentration is about 2.5 times higher in the hypothalamus than in the other areas. ALCAR is present at 25-35%, long chain acyl-carnitine at 10-15%, and free carnitine at 45-60% (Bresolin et al 1982). Only a very small amount of [ 3 H]-acetyl-carnitine was found in the brain after a pulse i.v.…”