AEC, 50X (CAS 132-32-1)

AEC, 50X, with the CAS number 132-32-1, is a chemical primarily known for its role as a chromogenic substrate in various biochemical applications, particularly in the field of molecular biology research. The full chemical name for AEC is 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole. This compound is utilized extensively in immunohistochemical staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) where it serves as a precipitating substrate. AEC produces a bright red precipitate upon reaction with the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme, a common label in these assays. This reaction is crucial as it allows for the visual detection of specific antigens or proteins within a biological sample, underlining its utility in research settings that require precise cellular and tissue visualization without the use of radioactive or fluorescent labels. The mechanism behind AEC′s action involves the enzymatic conversion of the soluble form of AEC into an insoluble form, thereby facilitating the formation of a colored deposit at the site of the enzyme activity. This specific interaction makes AEC an invaluable tool in the detailed study of cellular processes and protein localization, providing insights into the complex mechanisms of biological systems without the interference associated with more invasive techniques.