alanine aminotransferase

alanine aminotransferase /al·a·nine ami·no·trans·fer·ase/ (ah-me″no-trans´fer-ās) alanine transaminase.

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alanine aminotransferase

n. Abbr. ALT

See SGPT.

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alanine aminotransferase (ALT),

an enzyme normally present in the serum and tissues of the body, especially the tissues of the liver. This enzyme catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from alanine to alpha-ketoglutarate, forming pyruvate and glutamate. The reaction is reversible. The enzyme is released into the serum as a result of tissue injury and increases in persons with acute liver damage. Normal findings are 5 to 35 IU/L. Also called alanine transferase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase. Compare aspartate aminotransferase.

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alanine aminotransferase

an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible transfer of an amino group in the reaction:

$$\hbox{alanine + 2-oxoglutarate \leftrightharpoonsarrow\,\! pyruvate + glutamate}$$

requiring the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate. Abbreviated ALT. It is present in high concentrations in hepatocytes of dogs, cats and humans. The serum concentration is elevated, especially when there is acute damage to liver cells, as in viral or toxic hepatitis, and obstructive jaundice. Significant elevation of the serum levels of ALT is a specific indicator of liver damage only in small animals and primates. Called also glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT).

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alanine aminotransferase

Glutamine pyruvic transaminase, GPT Clinical chemistry An enzyme found primarily in the liver, with lesser amounts in the kidneys, heart and skeletal muscles; low levels of ALT are normal in the circulation; after liver damage, ALT is released into the bloodstream before more obvious clinical findings of liver damage–eg jaundice, occur; ↑ ALT is an early indicator of acute liver damage; ALT is measured as part of a panel of blood chemistry tests Ref ranges ♂ 10-32 U/L; ♀ 9-24 U/L; children 2 times > adults; AA is ↑ in viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, chronic hepatitis, intrahepatic cholestasis, cholecystitis, active cirrhosis, acute MI. See Aspartate amino transferase, Gamma-glutamyl transferase.