Modulators of the Kynurenine Pathway of Tryptophan Metabolism: Synthesis and Preliminary Biological Evaluation of ( <i>S</i> )‐4‐(Ethylsulfonyl)benzoylalanine, a Potent and Selective Kynurenine Aminotransferase II (KAT II) Inhibitor

Abstract

(S)-4-(Ethylsulfonyl)benzoylalanine is a potent and selective inhibitor of kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II) with no significant effect on KAT I or other enzymes of the kynurenine pathway. This compound is able to pronouncedly inhibit the formation of kynurenic acid (KYNA) in rat brain.