Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) play a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell signal transduction, neuronal and muscle electrical activity, apoptosis, drug action mechanisms, immune responses, and neurodegenerative diseases. As a key second messenger, Ca²⁺ regulates signaling pathways, neurotransmitter release, and muscle contraction, while also being involved in immune cell activation and inflammatory responses. Disruptions in calcium homeostasis can lead to apoptosis, neurodegenerative diseases, or pathological inflammation. Therefore, calcium ion measurement experiments are widely used to study cell signaling regulation, disease mechanisms, and drug screening, providing deeper insights into the fundamental functions of Ca²⁺ in biological processes.
Dr. Miles has recently been receiving frequent private messages inquiring about the operational aspects of calcium ion measurement experiments, such as why Probenecid is added during calcium measurement.
Do you have any valuable operational tips or questions related to calcium ion detection experiments? Looking forward to an engaging discussion and your insightful perspectives!
Why is probenecid added during calcium measurement?
This is because probenecid is an inhibitor of organic anion transporters in the cell membrane. When calcium ion fluorescent probes in the AM form enter the cell, they are hydrolyzed by intracellular esterases into a negatively charged form, allowing them to bind to calcium ions. However, some cell lines express anion transporters that actively export the negatively charged calcium ion fluorescent probes out of the cell. The addition of probenecid inhibits this efflux, ensuring better probe retention within the cells.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Geoscience
- Cartography
- Mapping