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ViaStain™ No-Wash Annexin V-FITC Kit (for Celigo)

CSK-V0007-1

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a natural process of cellular self-destruction. Apoptosis is a part of routine cell turnover and tissue homeostasis, prevalent in epithelial cells, erythrocytes, and other cell types genetically programmed to have a limited life span. It is also important in embryogenesis, maintenance of immune tolerance, and development of the nervous system. Apoptosis can be induced either by a stimulus, such as irradiation or toxic drugs, or by removal of a repressor agent. The cells disintegrate into membrane-bound particles that are then eliminated by phagocytosis.


Necrosis is the death of cells or tissues from severe injury or disease, especially in a localized area of the body. Causes of necrosis include inadequate blood supply (as in infarcted tissue), bacterial infection, traumatic injury, and hyperthermia.

Annexin V and propidium iodide are used to measure apoptosis and necrosis. Annexin V is a member of the annexin family of intracellular proteins that binds to phosphatidylserine (PS) in a calcium dependent manner. PS is normally only found on the intracellular leaflet of the plasma membrane in healthy cells, but during early apoptosis, PS translocates to the external leaflet. Fluorochrome-labeled Annexin V can then be used to specifically target and identify the PS on the surface of apoptotic cells. Annexin binding alone cannot differentiate between apoptotic and necrotic cells. Propidium Iodide (PI) solution is a membrane-exclusion dye that permeates cells with compromised cell membranes and binds to DNA. Early apoptotic and healthy cells with intact membranes will exclude PI, while late stage apoptotic and necrotic cells with compromised membranes are stained. Use of both Annexin V-FITC and PI allows researchers to characterize a cell population based on % normal, % apoptotic, and % necrotic /very latestage apoptotic cells.

Learn more about Apoptosis Reagents

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