[2-13C]-4-Aminobutyric acid

[2-13C]-4-Aminobutyric acid is a labeled form of 4-aminobutyric acid that contains two carbon-13 isotopes at the second and third carbon position. This compound is used in various biochemical and medical research applications, particularly in the study of metabolic pathways and the identification of metabolic disorders. One of the primary uses of [2-13C]-4-Aminobutyric acid is in the study of the metabolism of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the regulation of neuronal excitability, and its metabolism is closely linked to several neurological disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. The labeled form of 4-aminobutyric acid can be used to trace the metabolic fate of GABA in vivo and in vitro, allowing researchers to gain a better understanding of the metabolic pathways involved in its synthesis, degradation, and recycling. Additionally, [2-13C]-4-Aminobutyric acid can be used to identify metabolic disorders such as succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, a rare genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of GABA and other metabolites in the brain. Chemically, [2-13C]-4-Aminobutyric acid has a molecular formula of C5H10N2O2 and a molecular weight of 146.15 g/mol. It is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and has a melting point of 207-209°C. The labeled carbon atoms in [2-13C]-4-Aminobutyric acid are stable isotopes, which means they do not decay or emit radiation and are not harmful to human health.