Quin-2 is a high-affinity fluorescent calcium indicator (Kd = 115 nM for calcium). It displays high selectivity for calcium, as it is not affected by sodium gradients, membrane potential, or intracellular pH. High affinity probes like quin-2 are ideal for monitoring low levels of calcium, as are found in resting cells. Loadings of up to 2 mM quin-2 are without serious toxic effects, so quin-2 may be used to buffer intracellular calcium transients. Excitation emission maxima for quin-2 are 339 and 492 nm, respectively.