SBFI AM | 129423-53-6

SBFI AM, or Sodium Binding Benzofuran Isophthalate-AM, is a cell-permeant fluorescent indicator specifically designed to measure sodium ion concentrations within live cells. Its structure enables it to selectively bind to sodium ions (Na+), exhibiting a strong preference over potassium ions (K+) due to its distinct dissociation constants (Kd values) of 20 mM for Na+ and 120 mM for K+. This selectivity is crucial for accurate sodium measurement since typical intracellular environments contain high potassium concentrations. SBFI AM is esterified to allow easy penetration of cell membranes; once inside, cellular esterases cleave the AM groups, activating the fluorescent properties of SBFI for effective sodium detection.

One critical application of SBFI AM is in physiological studies of neurons, where precise measurement of intracellular sodium levels is crucial for understanding action potentials and synaptic transmission. By utilizing its selective binding capabilities, researchers can investigate sodium dynamics in neuronal activity, elucidating mechanisms underlying excitability and signaling pathways. SBFI AM provides insights into how neurons maintain ionic balance and manage sodium influx and efflux, contributing to comprehensive studies on neurological disorders and potential therapeutic interventions.

Another important application is in cardiac research, focused on exploring how sodium levels affect heart muscle function. SBFI AM is instrumental in examining sodium’s role in cardiac contractility and electrophysiology, helping researchers understand arrhythmias and other heart-related conditions. The indicator assists in visualizing and quantifying changes in sodium concentrations that could lead to irregular heartbeats, advancing knowledge in cardiac pharmacology and the development of anti-arrhythmic drugs.

SBFI AM is also applied in kidney research, particularly in studies involving salt absorption and excretion. By examining sodium transport within kidney cells, researchers can better understand fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. SBFI AM aids in identifying the molecular mechanisms of sodium reabsorption and the potential for disruptions leading to hypertension or kidney disease, offering a pathway to discover novel treatments for renal disorders and improving kidney health management.

Finally, SBFI AM finds applications in various cell biology studies where sodium balance affects cell volume regulation and signal transduction. It allows scientists to monitor how cells adapt to hypertonic or hypotonic stress through sodium adjustments. Such insights are vital for understanding processes like cell swelling, shrinkage, and the subsequent signaling events that manage these volume changes, thus contributing to broad biomedical research in cellular physiology and pathophysiology.