2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride

2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride is a redox indicator. In the TTC assay (also known as TTC test or tetrazolium test), TTC is used to differentiate between metabolically active and inactive tissues. The white compound is enzymatically reduced to red TPF (1,3,5-triphenylformazan) in living tissues due to the activity of various dehydrogenases (enzymes important in oxidation of organic compounds and thus cellular metabolism), while it remains as white TTC in areas of necrosis since these enzymes have been either denatured or degraded.

2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride is commonly used in biochemical experiments especially to indicate cellular respiration. TTC has been employed in autopsy pathology to assist identification of post-mortem myocardial infarctions. Healthy viable heart muscle will stain deep red from the cardiac lactate dehydrogenase; while areas of potential infarctions will be more pale. Useful indicator for reducing substances.