Implications for the kynurenine pathway and quinolinic acid in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

摘要: The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major route of L-tryptophan catabolism leading to production several neurobiologically active molecules. Among them the excitotoxin quinolinic acid (QUIN) that known be involved in pathogenesis inflammatory neurological diseases. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) degeneration motor neurons associated with chronic and local inflammation (presence activated microglia astrocytes). There emerging evidence KP important ALS. Recently, we demonstrated QUIN significantly increased serum CSF ALS patients. Moreover, most factors toxicity are found ALS, implying may play substantial role neuropathogenesis This review details potential has advances testable hypothetical model.