SynaptoRedTM C1 Nerve Terminal Dye

Nerve terminal dyes have highly hydrophilic, cationically charged head groups at one end with lipophilic tails at the other end. They are virtually non-fluorescent in aqueous solution, but become intensely fluorescent in membranes. Following nerve stimulation, the dye molecules are internalized in newly formed endocytic vesicles. During exocytosis, the dyes are released from the vesicles along with neurotransmitters, causing a decrease in fluorescence signal. As a result, the change in fluorescent intensity reflects the amount of endocytosis/exocytosis or synaptic activity. SynaptoRedTM C1 is a widely used red fluorescent dye for following synaptic activity by staining synaptic vesicles at the synapse or neuromuscular junctions. When used in combination with the green fluorescent dye SynaptoGreenTM , synapses or neuromuscular junctions can be imaged independently in two colors. SynaptoRedTM has also been used to study endocytosis in Dictyostelia. SynaptoRedTM C1 is similar to the widely used red fluorescent nerve terminal dye SynaptoRedTM C2 (also called FM®4-64) except that the lipophilic tail of SynaptoRedTM C1 is one carbon shorter than that of the SynaptoRedTM C2. Thus, SynaptoRedTM C1 is expected to have a faster off-rate compared to SynaptoRedTM C2.

For research use only. Not intended for therapeutic or diagnostic use. Use of all products is subject to our terms and conditions, which can be viewed on our website.