Description

• Application: L-Ornithine monohydrochloride has been used to study the blocking effect of L-ornithine on the transport system that carries L-arginine for the overproduction of nitric oxide during lipopolysaccharide induced endotoxemia in rat model.[1] It has also been used in decarboxylation test of amino acids.[2]
• Biochem/physiol Actions: L-Ornithine is a product of arginase degradation and plays an important role in ammonia metabolism via the urea cycle. In mammals, ornithine serves as a precursor for polyamines and proline biosynthesis. Spermine synthesized from ornithine, is an abundant polyamine observed in tumors such as breast carcinomas.[3] Administration of L-ornithine is known to improve subjective index of sleep quality. L-ornithine reduces the cortisol/DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone) ratio, that is associated with stress. In mice, L-ornithine is found to affect the levels of plasma growth hormone, corticosterone and melatonin levels in mice.[4]
• Other Notes: Product of arginine degradation by arginase