FIGURE 10.

Pitfalls to be considered in studies with synthetic calcium dyes. 1) dye precipitates stick to the adventitia adding a strong calcium-insensitive signal; 2) buffering of intracellular calcium by calcium dye affecting the calcium concentration as well as the kinetics of calcium concentration changes; 3) dye loss; 4) photobleaching; 5) compartmentalization of dyes; 6) screening or scatter of fluorescence by connective tissue; 7) phototoxicity and incomplete hydrolysis; 8) vasoactive substances alter fluorescence of the dye or contribute to the fluorescence signal; 9) inhibition of Na/K ATPase especially at high dye concentrations; 10) interaction with intracellular proteins..