Ruthenium red

Ruthenium_red_cation.svg

Ruthenium red is a chemical compound with the formula ammoniated ruthenium oxychloride. It is a red-colored dye that is used in various scientific applications, particularly in biochemistry and cell biology.

Chemical Properties

Ruthenium red is a complex compound that contains ruthenium, a transition metal in the platinum group. The compound is known for its distinctive red color, which makes it useful as a staining agent. It is soluble in water and forms a red solution.

Applications

Ruthenium red is primarily used as a staining agent in microscopy to highlight certain structures within cells. It is particularly effective in staining polysaccharides and glycoproteins, which are components of the extracellular matrix and cell walls.

Calcium Channel Blocker

In addition to its use as a stain, ruthenium red is also known to act as a calcium channel blocker. It inhibits the flow of calcium ions through certain types of calcium channels, which can affect various cellular processes. This property makes it a valuable tool in neurobiology and pharmacology for studying calcium-dependent processes.

Histology

In histology, ruthenium red is used to stain mucopolysaccharides and acid mucopolysaccharides in tissues. This staining helps in the visualization of these substances under a microscope, aiding in the diagnosis and study of various diseases and tissue structures.

Safety and Handling

Ruthenium red should be handled with care, as it is a chemical compound that can be hazardous if not used properly. Appropriate safety measures should be taken, including the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety goggles.

See Also

• Ruthenium
• Calcium channel
• Staining (biology)
• Histology