Serum Carnitine

Abstract

Carnitine was identified as a constituent of normal human serum by reaction with a specific enzyme and by thin-layer chromatography. A spectrophotometric enzymatic assay was adapted for use with human serum, based upon the liberation of coenzyme A from acetylcoenzyme A in the presence of carnitine and carnitine acetyltransferase. Normal human serum contains 2.3μmols to 7.0μmols/100ml. Serum content increased to 33.4μmols/100 ml during attacks of myoglobinuria but was not increased in patients with Duchenne dystrophy, liver disease, uremia, or acute myocardial infarction.