This antibody recognizes a protein of 25-26 kDa, identified as Bcl-2. This antibody shows no cross-reaction with Bcl-x or Bax proteins. Bcl-2 suppresses apoptosis in a variety of cell systems including factor-dependent lymphohematopoietic and neural cells. It regulates cell death by controlling the mitochondrial membrane permeability. Bcl-2 appears to function in a feedback loop system with caspases. It inhibits caspase activity either by preventing the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and/or by binding to the apoptosis-activating factor (APAF-1) . Expression of Bcl-2 inhibits programmed cell death (apoptosis) . In most follicular lymphomas, neoplastic germinal centers express high levels of Bcl-2 protein, whereas the normal or hyperplastic germinal centers are negative. Consequently, this antibody is valuable when distinguishing between reactive and neoplastic follicular proliferation in lymph node biopsies. It may also be used in distinguishing between those follicular lymphomas that express Bcl-2 protein and the small number in which the neoplastic cells are Bcl-2 negative. Primary antibodies are available purified, or with a selection of fluorescent CF® Dyes and other labels. CF® Dyes offer exceptional brightness and photostability. Note: Conjugates of blue fluorescent dyes like CF®405S and CF®405M are not recommended for detecting low abundance targets, because blue dyes have lower fluorescence and can give higher non-specific background than other dye colors.