Which statement about the liver's role in lactate metabolism is true?

The correct statement regarding the liver's role in lactate metabolism highlights that the liver converts lactate to glucose. This process is known as gluconeogenesis, which mainly occurs in the liver. When lactate is produced by muscles during anaerobic metabolism, it can be transported to the liver, where it is converted back to glucose. This is an important mechanism for maintaining blood glucose levels, especially during periods of intense exercise or fasting when glucose needs to be replenished.

In contrast, while the elimination of lactate from the body may happen through various pathways, the liver's primary function pertains to the conversion of lactate into glucose rather than simply removing it. The statement suggesting that the liver converts lactate into bicarbonate is inaccurate and does not reflect the direct metabolic processes involved with lactate and glucose. The conversion into amino acids does not occur directly from lactate in the liver; instead, lactate primarily facilitates glucose production. Understanding these metabolic pathways is fundamental in veterinary pharmacology and in assessing how the body manages acid-base balance and energy production.