AICAR 50mg

About This Compound

AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) is a nucleoside analog that is taken up by cells and converted intracellularly to its monophosphorylated form, ZMP. It has been documented in primary literature as a pharmacological tool that mimics the allosteric and phosphorylation-promoting effects of AMP on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy-sensing enzyme. The way a spare key opens a lock without belonging to the original owner, ZMP is thought to activate the AMPK complex by occupying the same regulatory site as AMP.

Research Context

Corton et al. (Eur J Biochem, 1995; PMID 7744080) documented that AICAR incubation activated AMPK in isolated rat hepatocytes, resulting in phosphorylation of a known kinase target and near-total cessation of fatty acid and sterol synthesis pathways, without altering cellular ATP, ADP, or AMP content. Hayashi et al. (Diabetes, 1998; PMID 9703344) documented that AICAR treatment activated AMPK and increased glucose transport in isolated rat skeletal muscle, independent of the insulin-signaling pathway. Narkar et al. (Cell, 2008; PMID 18674809) reported that four weeks of AICAR administration alone, without exercise training, was associated with induction of metabolic gene expression and a 44 percent increase in treadmill running endurance in sedentary mice.

Research Use Disclaimer

For Research Use Only. Not for human consumption.