KYNURENIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Kynurenic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in the human body as well as in various plant and animal tissues. It is classified as a neuroactive metabolite and belongs to the family of kynurenine compounds.
Chemically, kynurenic acid is derived from the amino acid tryptophan through a process called kynurenine pathway metabolism. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid obtained primarily from the diet and is metabolized into various substances including kynurenic acid.
In the central nervous system, kynurenic acid acts as a neurotransmitter antagonist, meaning it binds to certain neuroreceptors and inhibits their activity. Specifically, it blocks the action of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
The role of kynurenic acid in the body is still not fully understood, but research suggests it may be involved in regulating neurotransmission, inflammation, and immune responses. It has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy. The levels of kynurenic acid can also be influenced by factors such as stress, immune activation, and certain drugs.
Overall, kynurenic acid is an important compound in the human body with potential implications for understanding and treating various neurological conditions. Its complex interactions with neurotransmitters and receptors make it an ongoing subject of scientific investigation.
Common Misspellings for KYNURENIC ACID
- jynurenic acid
- mynurenic acid
- lynurenic acid
- oynurenic acid
- iynurenic acid
- ktnurenic acid
- kgnurenic acid
- khnurenic acid
- kunurenic acid
- k7nurenic acid
- k6nurenic acid
- kyburenic acid
- kymurenic acid
- kyjurenic acid
- kyhurenic acid
- kynyrenic acid
- kynhrenic acid
- kynjrenic acid
- kynirenic acid
- kyn8renic acid
Etymology of KYNURENIC ACID
The word "Kynurenic" comes from the Latin term "kynurenin", which is derived from "kynurēus", meaning "purple" or "bluish" in reference to the compound's color. In turn, "kynurenin" is derived from "quinoline", a chemical compound that shares some structural similarities with kynurenic acid.
The term "acid" refers to its chemical classification as an organic acid, which is characterized by its ability to donate a proton (H+) to a solution.
