NeuroScience Associates

ß-GALACTOSIDASE (ß-GAL) Detection

Applications:

• The X-Gal enzyme stain and the ß-Gal IHC method are tools to reveal ß-Gal presence.
• These are used to identify the product of the lacZ gene, which is used as a marker for identifying cells that have been introduced into a host animal or transfected with a viral vector.

Advantages:

• The signal observable from the enzyme method is usually considered superior to that achieved with the IHC method.
• The enzyme method forms an intense blue precipitant in the presence of ß-Gal expression.
• Tissue must be sent shortly after perfusion, as this is an enzyme whose activity diminishes with time.
• Contact NSA to verify scheduling.

Specifications:

• Tissue must be sent within 48 hours after the animal is perfused.
• After perfusion and over night in fix, switch the brains to buffer (PBS) and then ship as soon as possible to NSA. This is an enzyme whose activity diminishes with time.
• Contact NSA to verify scheduling.

 

 

β-Galactosidase IHC (β-Gal)

For further reference, please see: Stains