An investigation of suggested physiological functions of carnitine

Abstract

A number of claims for suggested physiological functions of carnitine ( -hydroxy- -butyro-trimethylbetaine) have been examined. The presence of carnitine in lipocaic and muscle and liver phospholipids was not confirmed. Carnitine had no effect on protein synthesis as determined by the net protein utilization of casein fed at a level beyond the rat''s normal ability to synthesize tissue protein. The growth rate of weanling rats was not affected when carnitine was fed daily for 5-1/2 weeks. The growth rate of young rats was not affected when carnitine was administered by subcutaneous injection. The growth of nursling rats was not affected when carnitine was fed to the mothers. Carnitine did not stimulate acid secretion in the isolated gastric mucosa of the toad.