L-Kynurenine ((S)-Kynurenine) is an endogenous agonist of the tryptophan metabolite and the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). L-Kynurenine can inhibit the proliferation of allogeneic T cells and increase the invasion of malignant U87 glioma cells into the collagen matrix.

GABAA (pentobarbital stimulation of [3H]flunitrazepam binding):35.9 ± 14.8 μM, B16 F10 melanoma cells:1.74 mM

METHODS: Human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC) were treated with L-Kynurenine (10-40 µM), and apoptosis of HCECs was evaluated by flow cytometry using fluorescent isothiocyanate Annexin-V conjugates (FITC).
RESULTS: L-Kynurenine-induced apoptosis slightly increased. [1]
METHODS: NK92 MI cells were treated with L-Kynurenine (0-800 μM) for 72 hours. Cell viability was evaluated by trypan blue staining, and flow cytometry analysis or functional detection was performed.
RESULTS: L-Kynurenine dose-dependently induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. [2]

METHODS: To study the effect of L-Kynurenine on arteries, L-Kynurenine was administered to the mesenteric arteries (0.3 mM to 1 mM) and aorta (1 mM to 1 mM) of male Wistar rats.
RESULTS: L-Kynurenine induced concentration-dependent diastolic responses in the mesenteric arteries and aorta of rats, while the selective Kv7 inhibitor aspirin and the depolarizing agent potassium chloride eliminated this diastolic effect. [3]
METHODS: To study the neuroprotective effect of L-Kynurenine, L-Kynurenine (50-300 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into neonatal rats. One hour after intraperitoneal injection, the young rats were exposed to a hypoxic environment for 1.5 hours to construct a hypoxia-ischemia neonatal rat model. L-Kynurenine (100, 200, 3000, 400 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into neonatal rats. One hour after intraperitoneal injection, NMDA was injected to construct the neonatal rat model of NMDA injury.
RESULTS: L-Kynurenine demonstrated a dose-dependent significant neuroprotective effect and had a complete protective effect at a dose of 300 mg/kg. [4]