aspartate transaminase n ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE
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(AST, ASAT) as·par·tate trans·am·i·nase (AST, ASAT) (ə-spahrґtāt trans-amґĭ-nās) [EC 2.6.1.1] an enzyme of the transferase class that catalyzes the reversible transfer of an amino group from aspartate to α-ketoglutarate to form glutamate and oxaloacetate, with pyridoxal phosphate required as a cofactor. The enzyme is present in most eukaryotic cells, occurring as distinct isozymes in mitochondria and cytosol. Both isozymes participate in the malate-aspartate shuttle, and in the liver the reaction transfers excess metabolic nitrogen into aspartate for disposal via the urea cycle. The serum level of aspartate transaminase (SGOT) and that of other transaminases are frequently elevated in a variety of disorders causing tissue damage (e.g., myocardial infarction). Called also aspartate aminotransferase and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT).Medical dictionary. 2011.