In cell culture sodium pyruvate is used by cells as an carbohydrate source and it is involved with amino acid metabolism and initiates the Krebs cycle. E.g. it has been used as a component of M-199 medium for the maturation of oocytes and in cutting solution for rat brain tissue slice preparation. In cell culture sodium pyruvate is used by cells as an carbohydrate source and it is involved with amino acid metabolism and initiates the Krebs cycle. E.g. it has been used as a component of M-199 medium for the maturation of oocytes and in cutting solution for rat brain tissue slice preparation.