2‐Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB) is a reliable blocker of store‐operated Ca2+entry but an inconsistent inhibitor of InsP3‐induced Ca2+release

Abstract

Since its introduction to Ca²⁺ signaling in 1997, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) has been used in many studies to probe for the involvement of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors in the generation of Ca²⁺ signals. Due to reports of some nonspecific actions of 2-APB, and the fact that its principal antagonistic effect is on Ca²⁺ entry rather than Ca²⁺ release, this compound may not have the utility first suggested. However, 2-APB has thrown up some interesting results, particularly with respect to store-operated Ca²⁺ entry in nonexcitable cells. These data indicate that although it must be used with caution, 2-APB can be useful in probing certain aspects of Ca²⁺ signaling.—Bootman, M. D., Collins, T. J., Mackenzie, L., Roderick, H. L., Berridge, M. J., Peppiatt, C. M. 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) is a reliable blocker of store-operated Ca²⁺ entry but an inconsistent inhibitor of InsP₃-induced Ca²⁺ release.