The loss of mitochondrial membrane potential is a hallmark for apoptosis. The mitochondrial permeability transition is an important step in the induction of cellular apoptosis. During this process, the electrochemical gradient across the mitochondrial membrane collapses. The collapse is thought to occur through the formation of pores in the mitochondria by dimerized Bax or activated Bid, Bak, or Bad proteins. Activation of these pro-apoptotic proteins is accompanied by the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm.

The mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit assay utilizes cationic dye to visualize mitochondrial membrane potential. The reagent is a cell permeable cationic dye that has a strong fluorescent signal in the red region and exhibits low membrane potential independent (non specific) binding and toxicity. In healthy cells Mito Flow reagent is accumulated by the mitochondria in proportion to the DeltaPsi (membrane potential). In most cell lines, accumulation of the reagent in the mitochondria results in a higher fluorescence intensity. In apoptotic cells, where the mitochondrial membrane potential is compromised, the reagent does not accumulate in the mitochondria and these cells exhibit a lower fluorescence signal.

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