| Bioactivity | Azure B is a cationic dye and the major metabolite of Methylene blue. Azure B is used in making Azure eosin stains for blood smear staining. Azure B is a high-potency, selective and reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidases (MAO)-A, with IC50s of 11 and 968 nM for recombinant human MAO-A and MAO-B, respectively. Azure B possesses significant antidepressant-like effects[1][2]. |
| In Vivo | Azure B (4-30 mg/kg; i.p.; once) decreases immobility in the forced swim test (FST)[1]. |
| Name | Azure B |
| CAS | 531-55-5 |
| Formula | C15H16ClN3S |
| Molar Mass | 305.83 |
| Appearance | Solid |
| Transport | Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere. |
| Storage | 4°C, sealed storage, away from moisture *In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture) |
| Reference | [1]. Löhr W,et al. The azure dyes: their purification and physicochemical properties. II. Purification of azure B. Stain Technol. 1975 May;50(3):149-56. [2]. Delport A, et al. Azure B and a synthetic structural analogue of methylene blue, ethylthioninium chloride, present with antidepressant-like properties. Life Sci. 2014 Nov 11;117(2):56-66. |