Isopimaric acid

Isopimaric acid
Identifiers
CAS number 5835-26-7 N
PubChem 442048
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C20H30O2
Molar mass 302.45 g mol−1
 N (verify) (what is: Y/N?)
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Isopimaric acid (IPA) is a toxin which acts as a large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (BK channel) opener.

Contents

Source

IPA originates from many sorts of trees, especially conifers.[1]

Chemistry

IPA is one of the members of the resin acid group which is a tricyclic diterpene.[1] It has a condensed three-ring structure, one carboxyl-group and a (conjugated) double bond.[2]

Target

IPA acts on the large-conductance calcium activated K+ channels ( BK channels).[3][3]

Mode of action

BK channels are formed by α subunits and accessory β subunits arranged in tetramers. The α subunit forms the ion conduction pore and the β subunit contributes to channel gating. IPA interaction with the BK channel enhances Ca2+ and / or voltage sensitivity of the α subunit of BK channels without affecting the channel conductance. In this state BK channels can still be inhibited by one of their inhibitors, like charybdotoxin (CTX).[3][3] Opening of the BK channel leads to an increased K+-efflux which hyperpolarizes the resting membrane potential, reducing the excitability of the cell in which the BK-channel is expressed.

Toxicity

Studies on rainbow trout hepatocytes have shown that IPA increases intracellular calcium release, leading to a disturbance in the calcium homeostasis. This could be important in the possible toxicity of the toxin.

Therapeutic use

This toxin may be of value in the treatment of urinary bladder overactivity, stroke treatment and in problems with the hyperactivity of (vascular) smooth muscle cells.[3]

Notes

  1. ^ a b Wilson, AE; Moore, ER; Mohn, WW (1996). "Isolation and characterization of isopimaric acid-degrading bacteria from a sequencing batch reactor". Applied and environmental microbiology 62 (9): 3146–51. PMC 168108. PMID 8795202. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=168108. 
  2. ^ Hwang, J. S. (1996). Modern solder technology for competitive electronics manufacturing‎. Electronic packaging and interconnection series McGraw-Hill
  3. ^ a b c d e Kaczorowski, GJ; Knaus, HG; Leonard, RJ; McManus, OB; Garcia, ML (1996). "High-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels; structure, pharmacology, and function". Journal of bioenergetics and biomembranes 28 (3): 255–67. PMID 8807400. 

References