Application

Kainic acid monohydrate has been used:As a convulsant to induce epileptogenesis and epilepsy in mice.To stimulate in vitro excitotoxic trauma in spiral ganglion neurons on inner hair cells.To induce seizures in rat model.To induce status epilepticus in adult male Wistar rats.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Kainic acid monohydrate is an agonist at the kainate class of ionotropic glutamate receptors, which induces seizures and neurodegeneration in vivo and is used to induce experimental epilepsy in rodents and study the mechanisms of excitation-induced neuronal apoptosis.

Ionotropic glutamate receptors form ion channels, and conduct Na⁺ and K⁺ fluxes. The receptors possess an agonist binding site and it encounters a conformational change upon agonist binding to it. Kainate gated channels participate in glutamate-induced excitatory postsynaptic neuronal potential.

Packaging

10, 50 mg in glass bottle