Quinolinic acid (CAS 89-00-9), also known as pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid, holds a significant place not only in industrial chemistry but also in neurobiology. It is a downstream product of the kynurenine pathway, a metabolic route that processes the essential amino acid tryptophan. This biochemical connection makes quinolinic acid a subject of intense study in neuroscience, particularly regarding its effects on the central nervous system.

In the brain, quinolinic acid is produced by activated microglia and macrophages and acts as an NMDA receptor agonist. This interaction is crucial for understanding various neurological conditions, as overactivation of NMDA receptors by quinolinic acid has been linked to excitotoxicity and neuronal damage. Researchers utilize quinolinic acid in laboratory settings to model conditions such as Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease, observing its effects on neuronal function and survival.

The compound's role in the kynurenine pathway is complex. While it is a precursor to NAD+ synthesis, it also exhibits neurotoxic properties that have been implicated in psychiatric disorders like depression and schizophrenia, as well as neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's. Understanding how to modulate this pathway, for instance, by influencing the balance between quinolinic acid and its neuroprotective counterpart, kynurenic acid, is a key area of therapeutic research.

For scientists and researchers, obtaining high-purity quinolinic acid for experimental purposes is essential. Suppliers like NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. provide this compound, ensuring it meets the necessary specifications for laboratory use. The availability of reliable chemical intermediates such as quinolinic acid facilitates advancements in our understanding of brain function and the development of potential treatments for neurological disorders.