alanine aminotransferase

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

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alanine aminotransferase

n. Abbr. ALT

See SGPT.

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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).