Merck, M5273-5G, Monensin sodium salt

General description
Chemical structure: polyether
Monensin is a polyether ionophoric antibiotic, which is produced by Streptomyces cinnamonensis. It is used to treat bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections. Monensin prevents the growth of colon cancer cells. It facilitates the transport of sodium and potassium ions between intracellular and extracellular spaces. Monensin prevents coccidiosis in poultry production.
Application
Monensin sodium salt has been used:
for the intracellular staining of cytokines
to study its effects on the regulation of nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB ) activation
as a positive control to study its effects on in vitro rumen fermentation

Biochem/physiol Actions
Na+ ionophore; blocks glycoprotein secretion; may induce catecholamine secretion from chromaffin cells. Useful in potentiometric and spectroscopic studies of alkali metal ion complexes.
Preparation Note
Following reconstitution, store in the refrigerator (4°C). Stock solutions are stable for up to 6 months at 4°C.