2. Induced Disease Models Products Others Neuronal Signaling Membrane Transporter/Ion Channel Metabolic Enzyme/Protease Immunology/Inflammation NF-κB Apoptosis
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  5. Quinolinic acid

Quinolinic acid, an endogenous metabolite of tryptophan, is a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA receptor) agonist. Quinolinic acid increases glutamate efflux, induces the generation of ROS, activates nitric oxide synthase, produces excessive NO, leading to calcium ion influx and neuronal apoptosis.

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CAS No. : 89-00-9

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Based on 7 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Other Forms of Quinolinic acid:

Quinolinic acid Related Antibodies

Top Publications Citing Use of Products

    Quinolinic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Metab. 2025 Oct 7;37(10):1998-2013.e7.  [Abstract]

    Human HCC (PLC5 and Huh7) cell growth was promoted by Quinolinic acid (QA).

    Quinolinic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Metab. 2025 Oct 7;37(10):1998-2013.e7.  [Abstract]

    Quinolinic acid (QA, 24 h) suppressed HCC cell apoptosis.

    Quinolinic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Metab. 2025 Oct 7;37(10):1998-2013.e7.  [Abstract]

    Quinolinic acid (QA) decreased HCC cell apoptosis by downregulation of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-7, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved PARP expression.

    Quinolinic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Metab. 2025 Oct 7;37(10):1998-2013.e7.  [Abstract]

    Quinolinic acid (QA) promoted the growth of primary HCC organoids.

    Quinolinic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: ACS Chem Neurosci. 2025 Mar 5;16(5):908-919.  [Abstract]

    Quinolinic acid (QA, 200 nM) reduced BDNF levels in N2A cells.

    View All iGluR Isoform Specific Products:

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    AMPA Receptor NMDA Receptor Kainate Receptor

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    Human Endogenous Metabolite Microbial Metabolite

    View All NO Synthase Isoform Specific Products:

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    nNOS iNOS eNOS

    • Biological Activity

    • Purity & Documentation

    • References

    • Customer Review

    Description

    Quinolinic acid, an endogenous metabolite of tryptophan, is a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA receptor) agonist. Quinolinic acid increases glutamate efflux, induces the generation of ROS, activates nitric oxide synthase, produces excessive NO, leading to calcium ion influx and neuronal apoptosis[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].

    IC50 & Target

    Human Endogenous Metabolite

     

    NMDA Receptor

     

    Microbial Metabolite

     

    In Vitro

    Quinolinic acid (0-50 mM, 24 h) decreases the percentage of survival cells ranging from 100% at 5 mM to 45.23% at 50 mM in N18D3 cells[2].
    Quinolinic acid (1 mM, 0-0.5 h) rapidly increased [Ca²⁺]i in N18D3 cells, inducing an increase in NO production[2].
    Quinolinic acid (30 mM, 6 h) upregulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Caspase-9 in N18D3 cells and inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K and GSK-3β[2].
    Quinolinic acid (1-10 μM, 24 h) significantly antagonized Ro in hippocampal slices Neuroprotective effects of 61-8048 (HY-12347)[3].
    Quinolinic acid (25-300 μM, 24 h) induced isolated neuronal death in rat brain tissue in a concentration-dependent manner[3][4].

    MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

    Quinolinic acid Related Antibodies

    Cell Viability Assay[2]

    Cell Line: N18D3 cells
    Concentration: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 mM
    Incubation Time: 24 h
    Result: Showed a corresponding decrease in the percentage of survival cells ranging from 100% at 5 mM to 45.23% at 50 mM.

    Apoptosis Analysis[2]

    Cell Line: N18D3 cells
    Concentration: 30 mM
    Incubation Time: 24 h
    Result: Led to nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation in the cells, and the number of apoptotic cells significantly increased.

    RT-PCR[2]

    Cell Line: N18D3 cells
    Concentration: 30 mM
    Incubation Time: 6 h
    Result: Upregulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Caspase-9.

    Western Blot Analysis[2]

    Cell Line: N18D3 cells
    Concentration: 30 mM
    Incubation Time: 6 h
    Result: Inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K and GSK-3β.
    In Vivo

    Note:
    Please do not refer to only one article to determine the experimental conditions. It is recommended to determine the optimal experimental conditions (animal strain, age, dosage, frequency and cycle, detection time and indicators, etc.) through preliminary experiments before the formal experiment.

    Quinolinic acid (0.2-50 μg per mouse, intracerebroventricular injection; or 300-600 mg/kg, i.p., single dose) causes excitement of movement, clonic convulsions, a decrease in body temperature, and at high doses, severe convulsions and death[5].

    Inducing Huntington's disease[6][7][8]
    Background
    Quinolinic Acid, as an agonist of NMDA receptors (NMDAR), excessively activates excitatory amino acid receptors, causing a large influx of calcium ions (Ca²⁺). The intracellular calcium overload triggers a series of toxic cascades, ultimately leading to neuroexcitatory toxicity and neuroinflammation.
    Specific Modeling Methods
    Rat: Male Wistar rat 300-350 g
    Administration method: 240 nmol, dissolved in physiological saline, total volume 1 μL • Injection into the right striatum • Single dose
    Mice: C57BL6/J (WT) mice • Female • 10-12 weeks old
    Administration method: 30 nmol, dissolved in isotonic saline, total volume 1 μL • Injection into the right striatum • Single dose
    Zebrafish: 3-4 month old adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) • Male and female • 450 mg
    Administration method: 15 mM, 2.5 μL per fish • Intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) • Single dose<>br
    Note
    (1) When performing stereotactic injection into the unilateral striatum of mice/rats, the injection speed must be controlled. The injection should be slowly administered within 2 minutes, and a needle should be left in place for 2 minutes after the injection to prevent the drug solution from flowing back along the needle path.
    (2) After anesthetizing zebrafish with cold water, they are fixed on a sponge bed. The needle is inserted vertically into the right cerebral hemisphere (about 3 mm deep), and then the fish is returned to the aquarium to recover after the injection.
    Modeling Indicators
    Behavioral changes: Weight loss, motor dysfunction (rotating rod test, balance beam test), and impaired cognitive function.
    Molecular changes: Lipid peroxidation products (MDA), nitrite (metabolites), pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB, increased reactive oxygen species, decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, Catalase) and reduced glutathione (GSH), mitochondrial dysfunction, etc.
    Histological analysis: A large number of apoptotic cells (nuclear pyknosis) and vacuolation were observed in the striatum.
    Opposite Product(s): Ro 61-8048 (HY-12347)

    MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
    Molecular Weight

    167.12

    Formula

    C7H5NO4
    CAS No.
    Appearance

    Solid

    Color

    White to off-white

    SMILES

    O=C(C1=NC=CC=C1C(O)=O)O
    Structure Classification
    Initial Source
    Shipping

    Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
    Storage
    Powder -20°C 3 years
    4°C 2 years
    In solvent -80°C 6 months
    -20°C 1 month
    Solvent & Solubility
    In Vitro: 

    DMSO : 33.33 mg/mL (199.44 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

    H2O : 3.33 mg/mL (19.93 mM; Need ultrasonic)

    Preparing
    Stock Solutions
    Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg
    1 mM 5.9837 mL 29.9186 mL 59.8372 mL
    5 mM 1.1967 mL 5.9837 mL 11.9674 mL
    View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    * Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.

    • Molarity Calculator

    • Dilution Calculator

    Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

    Mass
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    Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)

    This equation is commonly abbreviated as: C1V1 = C2V2

    Concentration (start)

    C1

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    Volume (start)

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    In Vivo:

    Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

    For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
    To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for in vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
    The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

    • Protocol 1

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% DMSO    40% PEG300    5% Tween-80    45% Saline

      Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (14.96 mM); Clear solution

      This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.

      Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
    • Protocol 2

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% DMSO    90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)

      Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (14.96 mM); Clear solution

      This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.

      Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.

    For the following dissolution methods, please prepare the working solution directly. It is recommended to prepare fresh solutions and use them promptly within a short period of time.
    The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

    • Protocol 1

      Add each solvent one by one:  PBS

      Solubility: 9.09 mg/mL (54.39 mM); Clear solution; Need ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C

    In Vivo Dissolution Calculator
    Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

    Dosage

    mg/kg

    Animal weight
    (per animal)

    g

    Dosing volume
    (per animal)

    μL

    Number of animals

    Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
    Please enter your animal formula composition:
    %
    DMSO +
    % 
    +
    %
    Tween-80 +
    %
    Saline
    Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
    The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Calculation results:
    Working solution concentration: mg/mL
    Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL  DMSO (Stock solution concentration: mg/mL).
    The concentration of the stock solution you require exceeds the measured solubility. The following solution is for reference only. If necessary, please contact MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Method for preparing in vivo working solution for animal experiments: Take μL DMSO stock solution, add μL . μL , mix evenly, next add μL Tween 80, mix evenly, then add μL Saline.
     If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.
    Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.
    Purity & Documentation

    Purity: 99.97%

    SDS (393 KB)

    COA (253 KB) HNMR (243 KB) RP-HPLC (254 KB)

    Handling Instructions (2659 KB)
    References

    Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    Optional Solvent Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg 25 mg
    H2O / DMSO 1 mM 5.9837 mL 29.9186 mL 59.8372 mL 149.5931 mL
    5 mM 1.1967 mL 5.9837 mL 11.9674 mL 29.9186 mL
    10 mM 0.5984 mL 2.9919 mL 5.9837 mL 14.9593 mL
    15 mM 0.3989 mL 1.9946 mL 3.9891 mL 9.9729 mL
    DMSO 20 mM 0.2992 mL 1.4959 mL 2.9919 mL 7.4797 mL
    25 mM 0.2393 mL 1.1967 mL 2.3935 mL 5.9837 mL
    30 mM 0.1995 mL 0.9973 mL 1.9946 mL 4.9864 mL
    40 mM 0.1496 mL 0.7480 mL 1.4959 mL 3.7398 mL
    50 mM 0.1197 mL 0.5984 mL 1.1967 mL 2.9919 mL
    60 mM 0.0997 mL 0.4986 mL 0.9973 mL 2.4932 mL
    80 mM 0.0748 mL 0.3740 mL 0.7480 mL 1.8699 mL
    100 mM 0.0598 mL 0.2992 mL 0.5984 mL 1.4959 mL

    * Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.

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    Quinolinic acid Related Classifications

    Help & FAQs
    • Do most proteins show cross-species activity?

      Species cross-reactivity must be investigated individually for each product. Many human cytokines will produce a nice response in mouse cell lines, and many mouse proteins will show activity on human cells. Other proteins may have a lower specific activity when used in the opposite species.

    Keywords:

    Quinolinic acid89-00-9MOFsiGluREndogenous MetaboliteReactive Oxygen Species (ROS)NO SynthaseApoptosisMetal-Organic FrameworksIonotropic glutamate receptorsNitric oxide synthasesNOSInhibitorinhibitorinhibit

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