Mitochondria generate a potential across their membranes due to the activities of enzymes of the electron transport chain. During apoptosis, collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) coincides with the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pores, leading to the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, which in turn triggers other downstream events in the apoptotic cascade.

Mitochondrion Membrane Potential Kit has been used to estimate the mitochondrion membrane potential in chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. It has been used in the permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane test (MMP assay) and also used to detect the loss of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization.

This kit is suitable for the detection of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in mammalian cells and for screening apoptosis inhibitors and activators using microplate readers.

Mitochondrion Membrane Potential Kit is optimized for the detection of the loss of the MMP in cells. The cationic hydrophobic mitochondrial potential dye accumulates in normal mitochondria, most likely due to the mitochondrial potential, resulting in an increase in fluorescence (λ_ex = 540/λ_em = 590 nm). In apoptotic cells, MMP collapse results in decreased fluorescence. This kit can be used for monitoring apoptosis and for screening apoptosis inhibitors and activators.