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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A High-performance Liquid Chromatography Measurement of Kynurenine and Kynurenic Acid: Relating Biochemistry to Cognition and Sleep in Rats
07:04

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Published on: August 19, 2018

Ornithine decarboxylase as a biological and pharmacological tool

D H Russell

    Pharmacology
    |January 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) induction by various agents is transcriptionally regulated. Its rapid response and short half-life make ODC a valuable marker for RNA and protein synthesis.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Molecular Biology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is the key enzyme initiating polyamine synthesis.
    • ODC activity is modulated by diverse stimuli, including hormones and drugs.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the transcriptional regulation of ODC induction.
    • To establish ODC induction as a biomarker for cellular synthesis.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of ODC activity in response to various trophic agents.
    • Assessment of ODC induction kinetics and half-life.

    Main Results:

    • ODC induction occurs at the transcriptional level and is dose-dependent.
    • Maximum ODC induction is observed within 4-5 hours.
    • ODC exhibits a rapid half-life of 10-20 minutes.

    Conclusions:

    • ODC induction serves as a sensitive and rapid indicator of increased RNA and protein synthesis.
    • The findings highlight ODC's utility for pharmacologists, endocrinologists, physiologists, and biochemists.

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