Pimonidazole is a novel hypoxia marker for complementary study of tumor hypoxia and cell proliferation in tumor[1]. Pimonidazole accumulates in hypoxic cells via covalent binding with macromolecules or by forming reductive metabolites after reduction of its nitro group, it can be used for qualitative and quantitative assessment of tumor hypoxia [2].
[1]. Varia MA, et al. Pimonidazole: a novel hypoxia marker for complementary study of tumor hypoxia and cell proliferation in cervical carcinoma. Gynecol Oncol. 1998 Nov;71(2):270-7. [2]. Masaki Y, et al. Imaging Mass Spectrometry Revealed the Accumulation Characteristics of the 2-Nitroimidazole-Based Agent "Pimonidazole" in Hypoxia. PLoS One. 2016 Aug 31;11(8):e0161639.