RAPID DiO (Dilinoleyl DiO) is a cyanine dye with green fluorescence (EX≈490 nm; Em≈505 nm). RAPID DiO is a lipophilic dye that labels cell membranes by inserting its two long hydrocarbon (C18 carbon) chains into the lipid bilayer. RAPID DiO is weakly fluorescent until incorporated into membranes. RAPID DiO diffuses laterally to stain the entire cell, allowing it to be used as an anterograde and retrograde tracer of neurons.
In Vitro, RAPID DiO does not transfer from labeled to unlabeled cells in intact tissue, but some transfer may occur when the membrane is disrupted, for example, after sectioning.
In Vitro, RAPID DiO does not transfer from labeled to unlabeled cells in intact tissue, but some transfer may occur when the membrane is disrupted, for example, after sectioning.