ZnAF-2 . tetrahydrochloride

Non cell permeable fluorescent reagent (Ex(max): 492nm; Em(max): 514nm) for the detection of low concentration of zinc ion due to its strong affinity to zinc ion (dissociation constant: 2.7nM). The sample zinc ion can be specifically detected. Low background fluorescense supersensitizes the visualization for in vivo sample zinc ion. Also available as cell permeable derivative (Prod. No. ALX-620-076). ZnAF-2 conjugates TPEN (Prod. No. ALX-450-011) affinities with fluorescein and enhances the specificity for Zn²⁺.

Zinc (Zn) is the second most abundant transition metal in the body ant it is essential as catalytic, structural and regulatory ion. Zinc ions are involved in homeostasis, immune responses, oxidative stress, apoptosis and aging. Zinc has been proposed to function as a conventional neurotransmitter for the presynaptic neuron and as a transmembrane signal to traverse the postsynaptic neuron. Aberrant zinc metabolism is associated with many neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. The most suitable technique for in vivo monitoring of zinc has been proven to be fluroescent imaging.