Forskolin is a small molecule activator of adenylate cyclase (EC₅₀~5-10 µM) in a rapid and reversible manner, to increase the intracellular levels of cAMP. Forskolin is used in many stem cell differentiation conditions, such as potentiating neuronal differentiation.

How to Use:

• In vitro:  Forskolin is used at 10-50 µM final concentration in cell cultures.
• In vivo: Forskolin lowered blood pressure in hypertensive rats by 10 mg/kg oral dosing once per day.

Reference:

• 1. Kenneth Seamon, et al. Forskolin: Unique diterpene activator of adenylate cyclase in membranes and in intact cells. (1981) PNAS Vol. 78, No. 6, pp. 3363-3367.
• 2. Hedin L. et al. Forskolin effects on the cAMP system and steroidogenesis in the immature rat ovary. (1983) Mol Cell Endocrinol 33: 69-80.
• 3. Kilmer SL, et al. Forskolin activation of adenylate cyclase in vivo stimulates nerve regeneration. (1984) Nature. 307(5950):455-7.
• 4. Son  H. et al. Pairing of forskolin and KCl increases differentiation of immortalized hippocampal neurons in a CREB Serine 133 phosphorylation-dependent and extracellular-regulated protein kinase-independent manner. (2001) Neurosci Lett  308: 37-40.