Kainic acid derivatives as excitants of lateral geniculate relay neurons

The activities of kainic acid and its derivatives alpha-ketokainic acid and dihydrokainic acid have been compared with L-glutamic acid as excitants of identified central neurons. The results are consistent with the view that the high activity of kainate is associated with unsaturation in the isopropylene side-chain. It is suggested that a reduction in the lipophilic nature of the alkene bond may cause a concomitant reduction in excitatory potency. This is discussed in relation to the mechanism of receptor activation by kainic acid.