Ty and Leroy,

My bets are that the tetrazolium salts are detecting superoxide generation, an
event that is associated with certain types of cell death.  For a foothold
into
the references on this you might consult the Molecular Probes' Handbook
(catalog).  Table 21.1 in this intimidating tome (catalog) gives references to
the various uses of the tetrazolium salts.  Molecular Probes may now have the
catalog online at their WEB site (www.probes.com).  Their WEB site has a
search
engine that enables you to search their extensive bibliography.  You can
search
either by product number or by key words.

Karen Larison - presently at the University of Oregon, formerly a Molecular
Probes' employee


Date:          Mon, 11 Jan 1999 23:39:29 -0600
From:          tylee <tylee@itis.com>
Subject:       Re: Tetrazolium TTC / necrotic stain
To:            histonet@pathology.swmed.edu

Leroy et al.,

Tetreazolium compounds are reduced to form vividly colored formazan
products. TTC is a sensitive reagent for detecting reducing sugars. TTC is
reduced to form a water-insoluble deep red pigment by oxidizing aldoses and
ketoses.  The Merck Index indicates TTC is used as a germination indicator,
viable cells hydrogenate (reduce) the tetrazolium. It also has some old
references for detection of adrenal cortical activity (Zweifach et al.,
Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 76: 46, 1951) and urinary infection Modern
Drugs,
Jan 1964, p. 400.

For many other tetrazolium compounds (MTT, INT, XTT, MTS, WST-1), the
reduction is dependent on the metabolism of viable cells. The reduction of
the above 5 probably are the result of NADH or NADPH generated by
dehydrogenase enzymes; but, some may also occur at the cell surface. I am
curious to learn more about the chemistry of reduction of the tetrazolium
compounds by necrotic tissue/cells (i.e. cells that have lost their
metabolic capacity). If anyone has any insight (or even speculation), I
would be interested.

ThankX,

Ty Lee

----------
From: LEROY BROWN <lhbhcs@pioneernet.net>
To: histonet <histonet@Pathology.swmed.edu>
Subject: RE:STAIN
Date: Wednesday, January 06, 1999 10:35 AM

I was wondering if anyone could help me with the following question:


<I do have a question for you. I am interested in some references
<regarding TTC staining (2,3,5-Triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride).
<Apparently it is used to stain necrotic or tissue undergoing some degree
<of degredation. Do you have information on this and where could you
<recommend looking?

Thanks,

LEROY BROWN HT(ASCP) HTL
HISTOLOGY CONSULTATION SERVICES
85 SE 8TH AVE.
OAK HARBOR, WA  98277

HISTOCS.COM