AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) reagents are substances used in laboratory tests to measure the levels of AST in a sample, typically blood. AST is an enzyme found in various tissues, particularly in the heart, liver, skeletal muscle, kidneys, brain, and red blood cells.
AST reagents usually consist of solutions or kits containing the necessary chemicals and buffers to facilitate the enzymatic reaction that AST catalyzes. The reaction typically involves the transfer of an amino group from aspartate to alpha-ketoglutarate, producing oxaloacetate and glutamate. The amount of glutamate produced is then measured spectrophotometrically or by another method to determine the AST activity in the sample.