Kynurenic is a chemical compound found in the human body which has garnered significant interest from the scientific community due to its potential therapeutic applications. The word is spelled phonetically as [kʌɪˈnjʊərɛnɪk], with emphasis on the first syllable. The "ky" sound is pronounced as "kai" or "kai-yuh", followed by "nur" and then "en" with the emphasis on the "en." Finally, the "ic" ending is pronounced as "ick." This pronunciation guide can be useful for those who are unfamiliar with the word and want to be sure of its accurate pronunciation.
Kynurenic is an adjective that refers to a specific compound called kynurenic acid or its related properties. Kynurenic acid is a metabolite derived from the metabolism of the amino acid tryptophan. It acts as an antagonist (inhibitor) of certain neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, particularly the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and the alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.
In the field of neuroscience and pharmacology, kynurenic acid has gained attention due to its effects on brain function and its potential implications in various neurological conditions. Being an NMDA receptor antagonist, kynurenic acid can modulate glutamate excitatory signaling, which is involved in processes such as learning, memory, and neuronal plasticity. Additionally, its antagonistic action on the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor suggests a potential role in regulation of cholinergic neurotransmission.
The term "kynurenic" is often used to describe compounds or substances that possess properties similar to, or are structurally related to, kynurenic acid. Researchers and scientists may study kynurenic compounds to investigate their effects on brain chemistry and explore their potential therapeutic applications for neurological disorders. However, it is important to note that the term "kynurenic" primarily pertains to its association with kynurenic acid and related properties within the scientific and medical communities.
The word "kynurenic" is derived from the compound term "kynurenine" combined with the suffix "-ic".
"Kynurenine" derives from the Greek word "κύνουρος" (kynouros), meaning "dog's urine", and the suffix "-ine" denoting a chemical compound. This is because the compound was first isolated from dog's urine.
The suffix "-ic" is commonly used in chemistry to denote a compound derived from or containing a particular element or compound.
Overall, the term "kynurenic" refers to a compound that is derived from or related to kynurenine.