Fluorescein Isothiocynate Isomer 1

FITC is the fluorochrome of choice to prepare histological protein and antibody conjugates for use in fluorescence microscopy. Stable covalent bonds are obtained without destroying the fluorescent structure Unreacted material can easily be removed by dialysis or gel filtration. Fluorescence efficiency high and is only slightly effected on conjugation to proteins. It allows unambiguous histological and cytological interpretation because of good colour contrast with the tissue background, even offsetting reduced fluorescence under some conditions. FITC-antibody conjugates are stable under normal storage conditions, while immunological properties of antigens and antibodies are normally preserved. FITC-antibody conjugates are non-toxic and the fluorochrome does not add significantly to the antigenicity of the complex. Simple and rapid conjugation procedures which are relatively insensitive to experimental variables have been described.