Description
Isopimaric acid (5835-26-7) is a terpenoid acid that activates BK (voltage-gated potassium) channels when used at 10 μM in HEK293 cells.1 Improves spatial and non-spatial memory in Alzheimer’s mouse model2,3, and significantly improves motor function in a rat spinal cord injury model4. Reduces hyperactivity of spontaneously active auditory networks, EC50=7.8 μM.5
Uses
A potent novel activators of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel.
Definition
ChEBI: Isopimaric acid is a diterpenoid, a carbotricyclic compound and a monocarboxylic acid. It is a conjugate acid of an isopimarate. It derives from a hydride of an isopimara-7,15-diene.
General Description
Isopimaric acid, a resin acid produced by conifer trees, is a tricyclic diterpene compound. High levels of isopimaric acid in the hepatocytes of the rainbow trout may impair calcium signalling machinery. Isopimaric acid is a potential big potassium (BK) channel opener.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Potent opener of large conductance calcium activated K+ (BK) channels.
References
Imaizumi et al. (2002), Molecular basis of pimarane compounds as novel activators of large-conductance CA(2+)-activated K(+) channel alpha-subunit; Mol. Pharmacol., 62 836
Wang et al. (2015), Cognitive recovery by chronic activation of the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease; Neuropharmacology, 92 8
Wang et al. (2015), Improvement of spatial learning by facilitating large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel with transcranial magnetic stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease model mice; Neuropharmacology, 97 210
Jacobsen et al. (2018), Activation of the Large-conductance, Voltage, and Ca2+-Activated K+ (BK) Channel in Acute Spinal Cord Injury in the Wistar Rat is Neuroprotective; Front. Neurol., 9 1107
Wu et al. (2014), Pharmacodynamics of potassium channel openers in cultured neuronal networks; Eur. J. Pharmacol., 732 68
