Other Notes
Raises intracellular cyclic AMP levels2; Produces partial inhibition of cAMP-phosphodiesterase3
Biochem/physiol Actions
Non-specific inhibitor of cAMP and cGMP phosphodiesterases. The increase in cAMP level as a result of phosphodiesterase inhibition by IBMX activates PKA leading to decreased proliferation, increased differentiation, and induction of apoptosis. IBMX inhibits phenylephrine-induced release of 5-hydroxytryptamine from neuroendocrine epithelial cells of the airway mucosa (IC50: 1.3 μM). Also serves as an adenosine receptor antagonist. Shown to inhibit ion channels in the neuromuscular junction, GH3 cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Induces calcium release from intracellular stores in sensory neurons.1