A ratiometric fluorescent probe for real-time monitoring of intracellular glutathione fluctuations in response to cisplatin.

Real-time imaging of fluctuations in intracellular glutathione (GSH) concentrations is critical to understanding the mechanism of GSH-related cisplatin-resistance. Here, we describe a ratiometric fluorescence probe based on a reversible Michael addition reaction of GSH with the vinyl-functionalized boron-dipyrromethene (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3,4-diaza--indacene or BODIPY) . The probe was applied for real-time monitoring of the fluctuations in GSH levels in cells under cisplatin treatment.