Involved in arginine catabolism by converting L-glutamate, into 2-oxoglutarate, which is then channeled into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Can also utilize other amino acids of the glutamate family. H2O + L-glutamate + NAD(+) = 2-oxoglutarate + H(+) + NADH + NH4(+) Activity subject to allosteric control by arginine and citrate, which function as positive and negative effectors, respectively. Optimum pH is 8 for amination, and 9 for deamination. Homotetramer. Expression induced by arginine in an ArgR-dependent manner (27-fold). Induced to a much lesser extent by ornithine, glutamate, and aspartate (1.7- to 5-fold). Contains disulfide bonds (interchain). Reduced growth when arginine serve as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Belongs to the Glu/Leu/Phe/Val dehydrogenases family.