Albuquerque_2013_Biochem.Pharmacol_85_1027

Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a major tryptophan metabolite, is a glutamate receptor antagonist, which is also reported to inhibit alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (alpha7nAChRs). Due to variations in experimental approaches, controversy has arisen regarding the ability of KYNA to directly influence alpha7nAChR function. Here we summarize current concepts of KYNA neurobiology and review evidence pertaining to the proposed role of KYNA as an endogenous modulator of alpha7nAChRs and synaptic transmission. As dysfunction of alpha7nAChRs plays a major role in the pathophysiology of central nervous system disorders, elucidation of KYNA's action on this receptor subtype has significant therapeutic implications.