title: Effect of kynurenine and quinolinic acid on the action of convulsants in mice.
abstract: Intraventricular injection of DL-kynurenine and L-kynurenine sulfate (40 microgram) into conscious mice potentiated convulsions and lethality produced by strychnine (1 mg/kg) and not by thiosemicarbazide nor pentylenetetrazol. Another metabolite of tryptophan with convulsive effect, quinolinic acid, was ineffective. Intraperitoneal injection of DL-kynurenine sulfate and quinolinic acid (25-100 mg/kg) was associated with prolongation of the latency of strychnine and thiosemicarbazide (only the former drug) seizures. Nicotinic, picolinic, and anthranilic acids (100 and 250 mg/kg) did not modify the action of convulsants. Data and suggestions about probable involvement of brain glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the convulsive action of kynurenines is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003292:Convulsants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D007737:Kynurenine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011725:Pyridines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011805:Quinolinic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003292:Convulsants; D011725:Pyridines; D011805:Quinolinic Acids; D007737:Kynurenine