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.