[3-13C]-L-Arginine

[3-13C]-L-Arginine is a stable isotope-labeled amino acid commonly used in biochemical research as a tracer to study nitric oxide metabolism, protein synthesis, and arginine transport. This compound is a derivative of L-arginine, an essential amino acid that plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including wound healing, immune system function, and hormone secretion. The stable isotope labeling of [3-13C]-L-Arginine enables researchers to track the metabolic fate of the amino acid in vivo and in vitro. Specifically, the 13C label allows researchers to differentiate between the labeled and unlabeled arginine molecules and measure their respective concentrations using mass spectrometry. This technique provides valuable insight into the rate of arginine uptake, utilization, and conversion to other metabolites. In addition to its use in metabolic studies, [3-13C]-L-Arginine is also used in protein labeling experiments. By incorporating the labeled arginine into newly synthesized proteins, researchers can track the fate and turnover of specific proteins in the body. From a chemical standpoint, [3-13C]-L-Arginine has a molecular weight of 188.2 g/mol and a chemical formula of C6H14N4O2. It is a white to off-white powder that is soluble in water and ethanol. The compound is stable under normal laboratory conditions and can be stored at -20°C for long periods without degradation.