INDO 1/AM (CAS 112926-02-0)

INDO-1/AM, or Indo-1 acetoxymethyl ester, serves as a prominent cell-permeable fluorescent dye in biological research, facilitating the measurement of intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+). This dye is part of a broader group of synthetic calcium indicators designed for penetrating cell membranes due to its lipophilic nature. Once inside the cell, it transforms into its active form, INDO-1, through the action of intracellular esterases, enabling it to bind to calcium ions and remain confined within the cytoplasm. The binding of INDO-1 to calcium ions alters its fluorescence emission wavelength, allowing researchers to monitor changes in calcium levels based on the fluorescence emitted at two distinct wavelengths. The dye emits at one wavelength in its calcium-free state and shifts to another when bound to calcium, facilitating the quantitative analysis of intracellular calcium fluctuations. This dual-wavelength emission property is leveraged in conjunction with advanced imaging techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry, to explore calcium′s pivotal role in cellular signaling pathways, including those involved in neuron activity, muscle contractions, and intercellular communication. INDO-1/AM′s sensitivity and ability to rapidly respond to calcium concentration changes underscore its utility in dissecting the complexities of calcium-mediated cellular functions and signaling processes.