Sensitive and reliable JC-1 and TOTO-3 double staining to assess mitochondrial transmembrane potential and plasma membrane integrity: interest for cell death investigations.

Background: Apoptosis is currently studied by flow cytometry with mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsimt) and membrane integrity fluorochromes. Rhodamine 123 and DiOC6(3) remain controversial to identify cells displaying a low Deltapsimt. JC-1 constitutes a good Deltapsimt indicator, due to a fluorescence shift from green to orange emission, according to the increase in Deltapsimt.