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