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What does elevated fluorescence of PI alone in Annexin V/PI staining indicate?
Posted May 9, 2020
Annexin-V StainingApoptosisApoptosis and NecrosisCell ViabilityCell Viability AssaysFlow Cytometry Reagentsannexin V
Answer

An Annexin V/PI assay can be used as an indicator for apoptosis or necrosis. Annexin V stains positive in apoptotic cells, while PI (propidium iodide) stains positive in necrotic cells. Live cells stain negative for both Annexin V and PI.

A result of Annexin V-/PI+ thus indicates necrotic cells. It must be noted, however, that necrotic cells can stain Annexin V+/PI+ as well, which is also an indicator of late apoptotic cells.

Additional resources
Brauchle, E., Thude, S., Brucker, S. Y., & Schenke-Layland, K. (2014). Cell death stages in single apoptotic and necrotic cells monitored by Raman microspectroscopy. Scientific reports, 4, 4698. Cell Meter™ FITC-Annexin V Binding Apoptosis Assay Kit *Optimized for Flow Cytometry* Propidium iodide *10 mM aqueous solution*

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