CNQX

CNQX (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione) is a potent, competitive antagonist of non-NMDA ionotropic glutamate receptors, specifically targeting the AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid) and kainate subtypes. It is a widely utilized pharmacological tool in neuroscience research for blocking excitatory synaptic transmission and investigating the role of glutamatergic signaling in neurodegenerative conditions. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that CNQX can provide neuroprotection against toxins like MPP+, which is used to model Parkinson's disease, by preventing overactivation of AMPA/kainate receptors. While its primary action is on non-NMDA receptors, CNQX also acts as a non-competitive antagonist at the glycine modulatory site of the NMDA receptor at higher concentrations.

Other names

6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione6-cyano-2,3-dihydroxy-7-nitroquinoxaline