A23187 has
antibiotic properties against
gram positive bacteria and
fungi. It also acts as a divalent cation
ionophore, allowing these ions to cross
cell membranes, which are usually impermeable to them. A23187 is most selective for Mn2+, somewhat less selective for
Ca2+ and
Mg2+, much less selective for
Sr2+, and even less selective for
Ba2+. The ionophore is used in laboratories to increase intracellular Ca2+ levels in intact
cells. It also uncouples
oxidative phosphorylation, the process cells use to synthesize
Adenosine triphosphate, which they use for energy. In addition, A23187 inhibits mitochondrial
ATPase activity. A23187 also induces apoptosis in some cells (e.g. mouse
lymphoma cell line, or S49, and
Jurkat cells) and prevents it in others (e.g. cells dependent on
interleukin 3 that have had the factor withdrawn).
Inex Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Canada) reported an innovative application of A23187. Inex used A23187 as a molecular tool in order to make artificial
liposomes loaded with anti-
cancer drugs such as
Topotecan. In
IVF field, Ca Ionophore can be used in case of low fertilization rate after ICSI procedure, particularly with
Globozoospermia (Round Head sperm syndrome), Ca Ionophore will replace absence of sperm acrosome, and plays role in oocyte activation after ICSI. Recommended use is 0.5 microgram/ml twice for 10 min interrupted with fresh media with 30 min incubation, followed with regular injected eggs culture for IVF. ==Biosynthesis==