Merck, 05-719, Anti-Phosphatidylserine Antibody, clone 1H6

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid (1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol-(3)-L-phosphoserine) found in the membrane of all plants and animals. PS is most concentrated in the brain, as PS makes up about 10% of the lipid content of neurons. Neural PS is thought to play a role in maintaining nerve cell integrity, enhancing neurotransmitter signal efficiency, and improving nerve cell signal transmission. One of the key features of apoptosis is the expresion of PS on the outer cell membrane. PS is usually found on the inner side of the plasma membrane, but during early stage apoptosis, the PS is translocated to the outer membrane. FITC-labeled annexin V can bind to the exposed PS, providing the basis of most annexin V-based apoptosis assays.