Important Markers of Neurological Inflammation: Kynurenate & Quinolinate

Summary

The kynurenine (KYN) pathway is a major route of L-tryptophan catabolism and operates as a mechanism of defense against intracellular pathogens and as a mediator of stress response signals to the brain.

This content was created by the Metametrix Institute

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Tryptophan can go down the KYN pathway and be excreted as kynurenate (KYNA) or quinolinic acid (QUIN), or it can be used to produce serotonin (5-HT) which is excreted as 5-hydroxyindoleacetate (5-HIA). Depending on the timing and juxtaposition of signals, a balance between the neurotoxic and neuroprotective metabolites of KYN serve to either activate or inhibit neuronal responses. The pathway leads to production of several neurobiologically active molecules. Among them is the excitotoxin QUIN which provides a critical link between the immune system and the brain.