Arginine

An Amino Acid

Description:

The nonessential amino acid, arginine, is a urea cycle amino acid and a precursor for the neurotransmitter, nitric oxide, which plays a role in the regulation of the brain's system of dilation and constriction of small blood vessels.

Plants/Foods:

Physiologic Functions:

Activates acetyl glutamate synthetase
Essential for the transport, storage, and excretion of nitrogen
High energy compound in muscle
Inhibits cellular replication of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells
Necessary for mitosis
Precursor to the neurotransmitter nitric oxide
Regulates protein metabolism throughout the body
Stimulates the activity of carbamyl phosphate synthetase, which starts the urea cycle
Stimulates T lymphocytes
Used in the synthesis of creatine
Used in the synthesis of guanidinoacetic acid
Used in the synthesis of polyamines

Clinical Indications:

Atherosclerosis
Congestive heart failure
Cystitis
Depression
Diabetes mellitus
Fertility/Infertility
Hypertension
Impotence
Ulcerative colitis
Coma caused by liver failure
Inborn errors of metabolism
Low sperm count
Post trauma and surgery - promotes wound healing
Pseudomonas infection

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency:

Depression
Growth delay
Orotic aciduria

Causes of Deficiencies:

Excessive ammonia
Excessive lysine
Malnutrition
Pregnancy
Protein deficiency
Rapid growth
Trauma

Contraindications:

Herpes simplex virus infection
High insulin
Kidney disease
Liver failure

Toxicity:

Hyperkalemia
Hyperphosphatemia
Watery diarrhea