L-Leucine-d3 is a deuterated form of L-Leucine that is used for mass spectrometry (MS) quantification of proteins and as a tracer in metabolic studies[1, 2]. L-Leucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) that activates the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway[3]. L-Leucine is an activator of glutamine:6-phosphofructotransferase (GFAT) and can inhibit NO synthesis in endothelial cells[4]. L-Leucine can be used by skeletal muscle to provide energy during exercise[5]. Both L-Leucine and D-Leucine can effectively inhibit epileptic seizures in mice[6].
References:
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[3] Duan Y, Li F, Liu H, et al. Nutritional and regulatory roles of leucine in muscle growth and fat reduction[J]. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed), 2015, 20(4): 796-813.
[4] Yang Y, Wu Z, Meininger C J, et al. L-Leucine and NO-mediated cardiovascular function[J]. Amino Acids, 2015, 47: 435-447.
[5] Mero A. Leucine supplementation and intensive training[J]. Sports Medicine, 1999, 27: 347-358.
[6] Hartman A L, Santos P, O'Riordan K J, et al. Potent anti-seizure effects of D-leucine[J]. Neurobiology of Disease, 2015, 82: 46-53.