The major cell-permeable diterpene isolated from the Indian plant Coleus forskohlii. At low doses, it acts as a positive inotropic agent. At higher doses, it serves as a hypotensive and vasodilatory agent due to its actions as a smooth muscle relaxant. No major side effects are observed at effective doses. Forskolins pharmacological activities are due to its activation of adenylate cyclase (EC50 = 4uM), resulting in increased cAMP levels. The exact mechanism of forskolins positive inotropic effect is unknown but may be related to a cAMP-dependent increase in Na+ permeability that results in indirect augmentation of Ca2+ release. Inhibits MAP kinase in rat renal mesangial cells (IC50 = 25uM). Also acts as a Hh pathway antagonist. Shown to inhibit apoptosis in cerebellar granule cells and to induce apoptosis in resting human B lymphocytes.Formula:C22H34O7Molecular Weight:410.5Storage and Stability:May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 6 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.
