Determination of L-carnitine, acylcarnitine and total carnitine levels in plasma and tissues of camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The total, free and acyl carnitine levels were measured in plasma and tissues of the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius). Significant variation in carnitine concentrations were observed in plasma and tissues of the camel when compared with other animal species. A higher proportion of acyl carnitine was found in plasma and skeletal muscle of the camel than other animal species. Among the camel tissues, skeletal muscle possessed the highest amount of carnitine while the lowest amount was found in kidney. The higher carnitine content and a higher proportion of acyl carnitine in plasma and tissues of the Arabian camel suggest an adaptive mechanism that could be common to desert animal species.