Quinolinic acid (QA) is a neuroactive metabolite of the kynurenine pathway, which processes the essential amino acid tryptophan. It is a downstream product of the degradation of L-kynurenine and plays a significant role in the central nervous system (CNS). Quinolinic acid is known for its excitotoxic properties due to its activity as an agonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, where excessive stimulation can lead to neuronal damage. Elevated levels of quinolinic acid have been implicated in various neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.
In clinical and research settings, quinolinic acid serves as a valuable biomarker for neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Its presence in urine, serum, or cerebrospinal fluid is often used to monitor immune activation within the CNS, as increased levels are associated with microglial activation and inflammatory responses. Beyond neurology, QA has also been linked to psychiatric conditions like depression and schizophrenia, making it a target of interest in psychoneuroimmunology.
The Quinolinic Acid Urine ELISA Assay Kit utilizes a competitive immunoassay format for the quantitative detection of QA in urine. In this assay, free QA in the sample competes with plate-bound QA for binding to specific polyclonal antibodies. A peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody and TMB substrate generate a colorimetric signal inversely proportional to the QA concentration. The reaction is stopped with an acidic solution and absorbance is measured at 450 nm. Using a standard curve, sample QA concentrations are calculated, providing a reliable and non-invasive method for evaluating metabolic and inflammatory disturbances in clinical diagnostics and research applications.
This product is manufactured in Germany by Immundiagnostik AG.