title: beta-Kainic acid is not an amino acid antagonist.
abstract: beta-Kainic acid has been reported to have anticonvulsant properties. In view of its structural relationship to alpha-kainic acid it has therefore been tested for antagonist activity at excitatory receptors for N-methylaspartate, quisqualate and alpha-kainate using anaesthetized rats and brain slice preparations. No antagonism was found against these three agonists though beta-kainate itself caused excitation. If beta-kainate interferes with excitatory amino acid neurotransmission it probably acts presynaptically.
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Collins
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000758:Anesthesia; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects*; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007478:Iontophoresis; D007608:Kainic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D011712:Pyramidal Tracts / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D007608:Kainic Acid