Application

Kainic acid is used to study mechanisms of excitation-induced apoptosis and epilepsy.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Kainic acid monohydrate is an agonist at the kainate class of ionotropic glutamate receptors, which induces seizures and neurodegeneration in vivo and is used to induce experimental epilepsy in rodents and study the mechanisms of excitation-induced neuronal apoptosis.

Features and Benefits

This compound is featured on the Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters and Glutamate Receptors (Ion Channel Family) pages of the Handbook of Receptor Classification and Signal Transduction. To browse other handbook pages, click here.

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General description

Kainic acid is an agonist for kainate-class ionotropic glutamate receptors. Kainate receptors directly gate ion channels and are generally excitatory. Excess stimulation by Kainic acid induces neurocytosis (apoptosis) and epileptic seizures.

Packaging

10, 50 mg in glass insert

Preparation Note

Dissolve in 1-2 drops of 1N NaOH then bring to volume with water or aqueous buffer. Can be stored 1-2 days refrigerated.