DL-Homocysteine Cas 454-29-5
Specification
Items | Specification |
Product name | DL-Homocysteine |
CAS# | 454-29-5 |
Appearance | White solid |
Assay | ≥90% |
Molecular Formula | C4H9NO2S |
Molecular weight | 135.18 |
EINECS | 207-222-9 |
Welcome to contact with us to get more information.
DL-Homocysteine is a synthetic, racemic mixture of the sulfur-containing amino acid homocysteine. The prefix "DL-" is crucial: it signifies that the substance contains a 50/50 blend of two mirror-image forms of the molecule, known as enantiomers.
The L-isomer is the natural, biologically active form of homocysteine found in the human body. It is a key intermediate in the metabolism of the essential amino acid methionine.
The D-isomer is not produced by the human body and is biologically inactive in most mammalian metabolic pathways.
When synthesized cheaply in a laboratory, the result is often this racemic "DL" mixture, as separating the isomers can be complex and expensive.
Biological Context: Homocysteine Itself
To understand DL-Homocysteine, one must first understand homocysteine's role. The body tightly regulates homocysteine levels through two primary pathways:
Remethylation: Converting it back to methionine (requires folate, vitamin B12).
Transsulfuration: Converting it to cysteine (requires vitamin B6).
Elevated blood levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, thrombosis), neurological disorders (dementia, Alzheimer's), and pregnancy complications. The "L" form is responsible for these biological effects.
Primary Use of the DL-Form
Pure L-Homocysteine is highly unstable in its free form; it readily oxidizes in air. This makes it difficult and expensive to handle in research.
Therefore, DL-Homocysteine is primarily a research chemical. Its main advantages are:
Stability: The mixture, often stabilized as a salt, is more practical for laboratory use.
Cost-Effectiveness: It is significantly cheaper to produce than pure L-Homocysteine.
Researchers use DL-Homocysteine in in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (animal) studies to induce a state of hyperhomocysteinemia. By applying it to cells like endothelial cells (which line blood vessels) or administering it to animals, scientists can investigate the damaging mechanisms of high homocysteine, such as oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation.
Key Distinction and Safety
It is critical to distinguish DL-Homocysteine from:
DL-Homocysteine is not a dietary supplement or therapeutic agent. It is a laboratory tool for studying disease mechanisms. It is not intended for human consumption and should be handled with appropriate safety precautions.
In summary, DL-Homocysteine is a practical, synthetic mixture used by scientists to model and investigate the toxic effects of elevated homocysteine levels, which are implicated in several major diseases.
Packages
Delivery
Payment term
* Wire Transfer/Telegraphic Transfer
* Western Union
* MoneyGram
* L/C
Contact information
Spring Zhang
Email: export@fortunachem.com
Skype: Fortunachem201304
QQ:3169620873
Tel: +86-27-59207892
Website: www.fortunachem.com
China
