The Cycling of Acetyl-Coenzyme A Through Acetylcarnitine Buffers Cardiac Substrate Supply

Abstract

Hyperpolarized (13)C magnetic resonance spectroscopy has revealed that acetylcarnitine provides a route of disposal for excess acetyl-CoA and a means to replenish acetyl-CoA when cardiac workload is increased. Cycling of acetyl-CoA through acetylcarnitine appears key to matching instantaneous acetyl-CoA supply with metabolic demand, thereby helping to balance myocardial substrate supply and contractile function.