Kynurenine pathway metabolite
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About Quinolinic Acid
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About Quinolinic Acid
Overview and History
Quinolinic Acid is an endogenous metabolite in the kynurenine biochemical pathway, a major route for tryptophan catabolism. It is produced by immune cells (such as microglia and macrophages) and by some microbial processes, and it acts as an NMDA receptor agonist, giving it neuroactive properties.
Identified historically as a tryptophan breakdown product, Quinolinic Acid has been studied as a marker of pathway flux and immune-related metabolism. It participates in redox chemistry and can interact with mitochondrial and antioxidant systems, so its levels reflect intersections of immune signaling, neurotransmission, and cellular oxidative balance.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Elevated Quinolinic Acid may indicate increased kynurenine pathway flux and greater production by immune cells or microbial sources; elevations are often seen alongside other signals of oxidative stress or excitatory neurotransmission. Low Quinolinic Acid may reflect reduced pathway activity, lower upstream substrate availability, altered microbial contribution, or sampling variability. Interpretation requires the full Cellular Zoomer context—compare QA with tryptophan, kynurenine, neurotransmitter metabolites, and redox markers to identify meaningful patterns.
Featured Test
Quinolinic Acid is included in the Cellular Zoomer to report on kynurenine pathway activity, neuroimmune signaling, and redox interactions. As part of the integrated panel it helps connect neurotransmitter balance, oxidative damage markers, and mitochondrial signals to support more precise interpretation of cellular stress and metabolic patterns.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
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MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
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MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
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MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
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DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
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ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
