Fast Blue B Salt (CAS 14263-94-6)

Fast Blue B Salt, with the chemical CAS number 14263-94-6, is a diazo dye known for its vibrant blue hue, primarily utilized in biochemical assays rather than for any medical or pharmaceutical applications. This chemical acts as a chromogenic substrate in enzymatic activity assays, particularly those involving the detection of certain enzyme activities in tissue sections or in vitro test systems. The specific mechanism of action of Fast Blue B Salt involves its coupling with an appropriate substrate that, when cleaved by the enzyme of interest, typically alkaline phosphatase, produces a colored precipitate. This precipitate is then visibly detectable, rendering Fast Blue B Salt an effective tool for localizing enzymatic activity within tissues or cellular samples. In research settings, Fast Blue B Salt is extensively used in histochemical staining. It enables researchers to visualize areas of enzyme activity under a microscope, providing insights into the distribution and localization of enzymes within different tissue types. This is particularly useful in studies related to enzyme expression patterns, which can help explain the roles of specific enzymes in various biological processes and diseases. For instance, its application in neurobiology allows for the mapping of nerve cells that are active in specific conditions, aiding in the understanding of neural pathways and functions. The application of Fast Blue B Salt thus facilitates a wide range of scientific investigations, contributing to a deeper understanding of cellular functions and their implications in broader biological contexts.