DNQX (FG 9041) is a competitive, non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist, with IC50 values of 0.5, 2, and 40μM for AMPA, kainite, and NMDA receptors, respectively [1]. DNQX can inhibit the activation of JNK3 in the entire hippocampus of rats after ischemia, thereby regulating excitotoxicity and neuronal damage [2]. DNQX has been widely used to induce depolarization of neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) [3].
In vitro, DNQX treatment (10μM) for 72 hours significantly inhibited the death of rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) induced by glutamate [4]. Treatment with 100μM DNQX for 8 days significantly reduced cell viability in the dissociated cells of the rat embryonic neopallium[5].
In vivo, DNQX treatment via a single intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 10mg/kg for 30 minutes blocked the rapid tolerance to alcohol-induced motor impairment in mice [6]. DNQX treatment (1μg; 0.5μl) via injection bilaterally into the nucleus accumbens 15min prior to cocaine (20mg/kg; i.p.) attenuated the acquisition of place preference induced by cocaine in rats[7].
References:
[1] Honoré T, Davies S N, Drejer J, et al. Quinoxalinediones: potent competitive non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonists[J]. Science, 1988, 241(4866): 701-703.
[2] Tian H, Zhang G, Li H, et al. Antioxidant NAC and AMPA/KA receptor antagonist DNQX inhibited JNK3 activation following global ischemia in rat hippocampus[J]. Neuroscience research, 2003, 46(2): 191-197.
[3] Lee S H, Govindaiah G, Cox C L. Selective excitatory actions of DNQX and CNQX in rat thalamic neurons[J]. Journal of neurophysiology, 2010, 103(4): 1728-1734.
[4] Aihara M, Chen Y N, Uchida S, et al. Hyperbaric pressure and increased susceptibility to glutamate toxicity in retinal ganglion cells in vitro[J]. Molecular vision, 2014, 20: 606.
[5] Drian M J, Bardoul M, König N. Blockade of AMPA/kainate receptors can either decrease or increase the survival of cultured neocortical cells depending on the stage of maturation[J]. Neurochemistry international, 2001, 38(6): 509-517.
[6] Rial D, Takahashi R N, Morato G S. Aniracetam and DNQX affect the acquisition of rapid tolerance to ethanol in mice[J]. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2009, 92(1): 32-38.
[7] Kaddis F G, Uretsky N J, Wallace L J. DNQX in the nucleus accumbens inhibits cocaine-induced conditioned place preference[J]. Brain research, 1995, 697(1-2): 76-82.
















