lactate

…oxygen, pyruvate is reduced to lactate via a reaction catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase (reaction 11a]); i.e., NADH gives up its hydrogen atoms or electrons to pyruvate, and lactate and NAD⁺ are formed.

…form of its salt (lactate) is produced in muscle tissue as a result of the anaerobic breakdown of glucose. Excess lactate is the cause of muscle soreness produced after strenuous exercise when the body’s supply of oxygen is reduced. Lactic and glycolic acids can be copolymerized to give a…

…form of its salts, called lactates) when glycogen is broken down in muscle and can be converted back to glycogen in the liver. Lactates are also the products of fermentation (q.v.) in certain bacteria.