Monensin is an intracellular protein transport inhibitor. The addition of monensin to the culture when cells are incubated blocks protein transport to the Golgi complex (GC) and causes protein accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Addition of monensin during the final hours of cell activation in vitro enhanced detection of intracellular cytokines. Monensin effectively enhances the detection of cytokines in most mouse and human cells; however, we recommend that researchers evaluate the use and efficacy of this reagent along with other protein transport inhibitors such as Brefeldin A in their specific assay systems.


Reported Applications
Intracellular staining followed by flow cytometric analysis