Miltenyi, 130-092-052, Annexin V-FITC Kit

Background information
The Annexin V-FITC Kit contains reagents for the simultaneous fluorescent detection of apoptotic, necrotic, and dead cells through the specific binding of FITC-labeled Annexin V to phosphotidylserine (PS). The kit consists of Annexin V-FITC, Annexin V Binding Buffer, and Propidium Iodide Solution.
In most normal, viable eukaryotic cells, the negatively charged phospholipid PS is located in the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane lipid bilayer.1 PS redistribution from the inner to the outer leaflet is an early and widespread event during apoptosis.1,2 However, in necrosis, PS becomes accessible due to the disruption of membrane integrity.2 Apart from necrosis and apoptosis, PS also becomes accessible in activated platelets3, in certain cell anomalies such as sickle cell anemia4, in erythrocyte senescence5, upon degranulation of mast cells6, and in certain stages of B cell differentiation7. PS exposure by apoptotic cells serves as a trigger for the recognition and removal by macrophages.8,9
Annexin V is a 35 kDa phospholipid-binding protein and has a high affinity for PS in the presence of physiological concentrations of calcium (Ca2+).10

Overview
This kit is suitable for the identification and enumeration of dead cells, such as apoptotic or necrotic cells, by flow cytometry.