IBMX, 500 mg

This 500 mg unit of 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) is a non-selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor supplied by STEMCELL Technologies for cell biology and stem cell research workflows. IBMX blocks the activity of multiple PDE isoforms (including PDE1, PDE2, PDE3, PDE4, and PDE5), resulting in elevated intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) levels, which in turn modulates PKA-dependent signaling and downstream gene expression.

The compound is widely used as a research-use-only supplement in cell culture media. Common applications include maintaining the self-renewal and pluripotency of human pluripotent stem cells, enhancing reprogramming efficiency in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation, and supporting differentiation protocols such as adipogenesis and osteogenesis. IBMX is also frequently combined with dexamethasone and insulin in adipocyte differentiation cocktails and is used in cAMP/PKA signaling studies, investigations of adenosine receptor crosstalk, and smooth muscle physiology research.

IBMX is supplied as a crystalline powder in a single-use vial. The reagent is soluble in DMSO, ethanol, and dilute NaOH, and is typically prepared as a 100 to 500 mM stock solution before dilution into working media. Recommended storage is at -20 degrees C, protected from light, with desiccation. For research use only; not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or veterinary applications.