A23187

A23187, a calcium ionophore, is used to induce Ca(2+)-dependent cell death by increasing intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) under in vitro condition. A23187 promotes intracelllular ROS generation and platelet particle formation (fragmentation) in vitro and in vivo. A23187 induced trace Zn(2+), derived from cell preparation, partly attenuates the Ca(2+)-dependent cell death. A23187 can be used to induce autophagy in mammalian cells.