title: Kainic acid derivatives as excitants of lateral geniculate relay neurons.
abstract: The activities of kainic acid and its derivatives alpha-ketokainic acid and dihydrokainic acid have been compared with L-glutamic acid as excitants of identified central neurons. The results are consistent with the view that the high activity of kainate is associated with unsaturation in the isopropylene side-chain. It is suggested that a reduction in the lipophilic nature of the alkene bond may cause a concomitant reduction in excitatory potency. This is discussed in relation to the mechanism of receptor activation by kainic acid.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D005829:Geniculate Bodies / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D007608:Kainic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011759:Pyrrolidines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: D011759:Pyrrolidines; D007608:Kainic Acid