Description
General description
Plants and microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli are the major sources of D-pantothenic acid. It is water soluble and quite stable to heating.
Due to the unstable, hygroscopic nature of the free acid, the calcium salt is employed.
Application
D-Pantothenic acid hemicalcium salt has been used:
as a component of FMX-turbodoma- derived media
as a supplement in DMEM (Dulbecco′s modified eagle media)/F-12 used for cell proliferation
as a supplement in preadipocyte media
Precursor in the biosynthesis of coenzyme A.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Along with coenzyme A (CoA, D-pantothenic acid is a precursor for acyl carrier protein. These are essential cofactors involved in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. It also participates in the formation of acetylcholine neurotransmitter. D-pantothenic acid is considered as a source of nutrition and possesses immune function by mediating antibody formation. The production of cortisone is supported by D-pantothenic acid. It is essential for adrenal gland activity.