Hoechst 33342 is an A:T-specific DNA minor groove ligand that is a widely used fluorochrome for visualizing cellular DNA. Excitation of the dye occurs around 350 nm with an emission maxima around 461 nm. Hoechst-33342, unlike other Hoechst dyes, is more lipophillic due to an additional ethyl group. The compound has been observed to displace several known DNA intercalators. Adriamycin has been shown to disrupt the DNA dye update. The compound can be used in sorting living cells based on DNA content by FACS, in the visualization of chromatin distribution in living cells, to detect BrdU incorporation into cells, the visualization of fixed cells by microscopy, and to study the initial stages of apoptosis and cell-cycle distribution. In addition to Hoechst-33342''s fluorescent capability, the
Hoechst 33342 is useful for staining DNA, chromosomes and nuclei. May be used for fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry. Suitable for vital DNA staining of a variety of cell types and as a probe of membrane permeability in mammalian cells.
ChEBI: 2'-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-2,5'-bibenzimidazole is a bibenzimidazole and a N-methylpiperazine. It has a role as a fluorochrome. It is functionally related to a pibenzimol.
Mutation data reported. Whenheated to decomposition it emits toxic vapors of NOx.
