May 7, 2006

Properties and Uses of beta-alanine

Posted in Chemistry, Science at 8:34 am by David Bradley -- Click to comment

A quick search of the PubChem database via the quick and easy ChemSpy site revealed the answer to yet another sciencebase reader query - “What are the properties and uses of beta-alanine?”

beta-Analine is an amino acid formed metabolically from dihydrouracil and carnosine and used as one of the building blocks of proteins. Researchers have demonstrated neuronal uptake and neuronal receptor sensitivity to beta-alanine and so it has been labelled as a false transmitter replacing gamma-aminobutyric acid. As such, it is finding application as a GABA uptake inhibitor in treating a variety of disorders in which tremor is a serious symptom.

More info available on request.

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