Quisqualic Acid

Quisqualic acid is an agonist for both AMPA receptors and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors. It causes excitotoxicity and is used in neuroscience to selectively destroy neurons in the brain or spinal cord. It occurs naturally in the seeds of Quisqualis species. = +17 (6M HCl)

Research conducted by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, has demonstrated quisqualic acid is also present within the flower petals of zonal geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) and is responsible for causing paralysis of the Japanese beetle. Quisqualic acid is thought to mimic L-glutamic acid, which is a neurotransmitter in the insect neuromuscular junction and mammalian central nervous system.