This kit enables the detection of an early apoptosis event based on the measurement of the glutathione content in live mammalian cells using a fluorescence microplate reader. Diminished cellular glutathione (GSH), which is an important anti-oxidant in mammalian cells, occurs at the early stages of mitochondria-associated apoptosis because of GSH efflux. This kit uses monochlorobimane (MCB), a cell permeant dye that has a high affinity for GSH, to detect the cellular GSH level in an apoptotic event. The unreacted dye is almost non-fluorescent. After reaction of the dye with GSH, catalyzed by endogenous glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzymes, the dye fluoresces blue, with excitation at 394 nm and emission at 490 nm. The intensity of the fluorescence signal generated from the assay reflects the amount of GSH that is present in the cells. 
 
Cell viability assays are critical to a broad spectrum of research areas ranging from investigation into the mechanisms of cell death to the development of new therapeutics targeting apoptosis in diseases. One of the most popular detection technologies for cell viability is a fluorescence microplate reader. The EarlyTox cell viability assay kits have been optimized for highly sensitive and accurate microplate detection which provides a complete solution for monitoring cell viability. 
 
• Optimal data quality for microplate reader assay 
• Simplified, homogeneous experimental protocol 
• Preconfigured SoftMax Pro Software protocols