D-Arginine

DescriptionD-arginine is the D-form of arginine, which is a kind of amino acids. It can be reacted with hydrogen peroxide for non-enzymatic synthesis of nitric oxide. It has certain pharmacological activities. For example, its derivative, 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin is useful for the management of haemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease. It also has the potential to inhibit the proliferation of certain cancer cells. In biological research, D-arginine is frequently used in the studies of L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway as an inactive form of L-arginine.

UsesArginine is an essential amino acid found in food and plant sources, and many biological systems. D-Arginine is extensively used in studies on L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway as an inactive form of L-arginine, even in man. D-Arginine is slightly soluble (in water) and a moderately acidic compound (based on its pKa). D-Arginine can be found in human epidermis and platelet tissues. Within the cell, D-arginine is primarily located in the peroxisome. D-Arginine specifically can inhibit arginine decarboxylase enzymes and also functions as a metabolite.

Uses1-Deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin makes a new pharmacological approach to the management of haemophilia and von Willebrand's disease. A novel nonenzymatic pathway for the generation of nitric oxide is by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and d- or l-arginine.