Product Description:

Mast cells are found in the connective tissue and best known for their roles in mediating inflammatory responses such as hypersensitivity, allergy and anaphylaxis. Although similar in appearance and function to basophils, they are tissue resident while basophils are present in the blood. Major cell surface markers associated with mast cells include CD34, CD117 (c-kit) and high affinity IgE receptor. Mast cells prominently store potent chemical mediators such as histamine, interleukins, proteoglycans (e.g., heparin) and various enzymes in secretory granules. In a process referred to as degranulation, which is stimulated by an allergen, mast cells release the contents of the granules into the surrounding tissue, triggering local inflammatory reactions exemplified by mucus production, increased permeability of blood vessels and contraction of smooth muscle. Mast cells are also thought to have protective function in wound healing. The mast cell staining method is based on an optimized formulation of Toluidine blue, a basic thiazine metachromatic dye with high affinity for acidic tissue components. Toluidine blue has found wide applications both as vital staining in living tissues and as a special stain to highlight mast cell granules, mucins and cartilage. The staining solution should stain mast cells red-purple (metachromatic staining) and the background blue (orthochromatic staining) in deparaffinized or frozen sections.

Kit Components:

Toluidine Blue: 20 ml

Toluidine Blue Buffer: 200 ml

MSDS:

Toluidine Blue, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, ethanol

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Chondrogenesis Assay, Adipogenesis Assay,

Cell Proliferation Assay