Biochem/physiol Actions

Alanine is a nonessential amino acid that plays a key role in the glucose-alanine cycle between muscle tissue and the liver. In amino acid-degrading tissues such as muscle, amino groups are pooled as glutamate by transamination reactions. The amino group of glutamate is transferred to pyruvate via alanine aminotransferase, forming alanine and α-ketoglutarate. The alanine is passed into the blood and transported to the liver. This reaction is reversed in the liver where pyruvate can be used in gluconeogenesis to form glucose, which may return to other tissues through the circulatory system. Increased alanine levels correlate with higher blood pressure, energy intake, cholesterol levels, and body mass index.

Other Notes

Postulated salting-in effect on proteins; Growth requirement of a variety of microorganisms.