Ionomycin free acid is a beneficial tool in research to raise intracellular calcium levels. Also this antibiotic can be used to study the calcium transport across the plasma membrane. It has been shown to induce central demyelination , inhibit adrenal bovine TREK-1 channels , and to regulate cell division of mature human B cells . It is used to study the effects of calcium flux on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial stress and intrinsic apoptosis mechanisms. It is also used to stimulate the intracellular production of the cytokines, interferon, perforin, IL-2, and IL-4 usually in conjunction with PMA.