2.Cardiotonic glycoside which presents a buIadienolide-steroid structure.
Besides ouabain, Irom
the class oI cardenolides hellebrin is the second unique water soluble cardiotonic glycoside. Extremely potent inhibitor oI Na
/K
-ATPase (sodium pump) blocking the active eIIlux oI Na
and reuptake oI K
oI this membrane enzyme. Shows a positive inotropic eIIect by increasing the
intracellular Ca 2 concentration. Strong immunosuppressor inhibiting T cell activity with much higher potency than cortisol or cyclosporin A Induces caspase-dependent apoptosis.