How Quinolinic acid serves as an oxidative stress modulator
Quinolinic acid is not only excitotoxic but also a modulator of oxidative stress. Specifically, Quinolinic acid increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) by increasing the excitotoxicity of the NMDA receptor. Quinolinic acid-induced toxicity can be mediated through both NMDA-dependent and independent mechanisms. Quinolinic acid also enhances free radical production by inducing nitric oxide synthase activity in neurons and astrocytes and also increases poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activities and impairs mitochondrial function. Quinolinic acid has also been found to impair the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes.