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Description

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 = 4 µ,M), 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 = 25 µ,M). Also acts as a Hh pathway antagonist. Shown to inhibit apoptosis in cerebellar granule cells and to induce apoptosis in resting human B lymphocytes., A cardioactive diterpene isolated from the Indian plant Coleus forskolii. At low doses, acts as a positive inotropic agent in dogs, cats, spontaneously hypertensive and normal rats, and isolated guinea pig heart. At higher doses, acts as a hypotensive and vasodilatory agent due to its action as a smooth muscle relaxant. No major side effects are observed at effective doses. Rapid and reversible activator of adenylate cyclase (EC50 = 4 µ,M) in membranes and intact cells. Does not affect the activity of guanylate cyclase or cyclic nucleotide phophodiesterases. The exact mechanism of forskolin's positive inotropic effect is unknown but may be related to a cAMP-dependent increase in Na+ permeability, which results in indirect augmentation of Ca2+ release. Inhibits MAP kinase in rat renal mesangial cells (IC50 = 25 µ,M). Also acts as a Hh pathway antagonist. Shown to inhibit apoptosis in cerebellar granule cells and to induce apoptosis in resting human B-lymphocytes.