Isopimaric acid (IPA) is a toxin which acts as a large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (BK channel) opener.
Sources
IPA originates from many sorts of trees, especially conifers.[1]
Chemistry
IPA is one of the members of the resin acid group and it is a tricyclic diterpene.[1]
Target
IPA acts on the large-conductance calcium activated K+ channels (BK channels).[2][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).[2][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.
^ abKaczorowski, 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. doi:10.1007/bf02110699. PMID8807400. S2CID25857254.
^ abImaizumi, Y; Sakamoto, K; Yamada, A; Hotta, A; Ohya, S; Muraki, K; Uchiyama, M; Ohwada, T (2002). "Molecular basis of pimarane compounds as novel activators of large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel alpha-subunit". Molecular Pharmacology. 62 (4): 836–46. doi:10.1124/mol.62.4.836. PMID12237330.
References
Råbergh, Christina M.I.; Lilius, Henrik; Eriksson, John E.; Isomaa, Boris (1999). "The resin acids dehydroabietic acid and isopimaric acid release calcium from intracellular stores in rainbow trout hepatocytes". Aquatic Toxicology. 46 (1): 55–65. Bibcode:1999AqTox..46...55R. doi:10.1016/S0166-445X(98)00115-5.
Råbergh, C.M.I.; Isomaa, B.; Eriksson, J.E. (1992). "The resin acids dehydroabietic acid and isopimaric acid inhibit bile acid uptake and perturb potassium transport in isolated hepatocvtes from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)". Aquatic Toxicology. 23 (3–4): 169–179. Bibcode:1992AqTox..23..169R. doi:10.1016/0166-445X(92)90050-W.