Features and Benefits

Detects apoptosis earlier in the process than DNA-based assays such as TUNEL Rapid labeling of cells. Cell staining takes only 10 minutes. No cell fixation or processing required, reducing the detection time and allowing the cells to be used for further study. 6-Carboxyfluorescein diacetate secondary dye is included with the kit to differentiate apoptotic cells from viable and necrotic cells.

Legal Information

Cy3 is a trademark of Cytiva

Principle

Sigma′s Annexin V-Cy3 kit allows detection of annexin V bound to apoptotic cells by fluorescence microscopy. The Annexin V-Cy3 kit uses the dye Cy3.18 as the fluorochrome conjugated with annexin V. By microscopy, Cy3.18 fluoresces more brightly than the FITC conjugate. The kit includes the non-fluorescent compound 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate (6-CFDA), which enters the cell and is hydrolyzed by the esterases present in living cells to the fluorescent compound 6-carboxyfluorescein, indicating that the cells are viable. This combination allows the differentiation among early apoptotic cells (annexin V positive, 6-CFDA positive), necrotic cells (annexin V positive, 6-CFDA negative), and viable cells (annexin V negative, 6-CFDA positive).