Tetrabenazine, TBZ

A cell permeable benzoquinolizine based compound that acts as a monoamine-depleting agent by blocking the activity vesicular monoamine transporter 2. Promotes late-stage differentiation of Pdx1-positive pancreatic progenitor cells into Neurog3 (Ngn3)-positive endocrine precursors without increasing their proliferation. Increases the number of insulin expressing cells in a dose dependent manner (EC₅₀ = 220 nM) and this effect is significantly enhanced when cells are simultaneously treated with dibutyryl cAMP. Embryonic stem cells treated with TBZ and/or dibutyryl cAMP and then grafted into kidney capsule of AKITA mice reduce hyperglycemia, improve fasting blood glucose levels, and show an increase in plasma C-peptide levels.

Please note that the molecular weight for this compound is batch-specific due to variable water content.

Primary Target
VMAT2

Reversible: yes

Packaged under inert gas

Following reconstitution, aliquot and freeze (-20°C). Stock solutions are stable for up to 3 months at -20°C.

Sakano, D., et al. 2014. Nat. Chem. Bio.10,141.

Jankovic, J., et al. 1997. Neurobiology48,1358.
Gertrude, P.Q., et al. 1959. J. Pharm. Exp. Ther.127, 103.

CALBIOCHEM is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Toxicity: Harmful (C)