β-ODAP is a potent inhibitor of HIF-prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD-2) that induces HIF dependent HRE (hypoxia response element) in normoxic conditions. β-ODAP is an analog of glutamic acid present in Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) that activates AMPA receptors. β-ODAP causes neurolathyrism upon prolonged consumption of L. sativus seeds.
?-ODAP is considered more neurotoxic than ?-ODAP, thus during food processing, its conversion to ? isomer is essential. ?-ODAP exhibits its neurotoxicity via the activation of metabotropic glutamatergic receptor.