DHR 123 Redox Probe

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) can be induced by stress conditions, such as exposure to oxidants or drugs. These then lead to oxidative stress. ROS induced damage in DNA, protein and lipids can lead to important consequences in cells. 

Cell permeant reagent Dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) is a fluorogenic dye that is useful for the detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as peroxide and peroxynitrite. After cell uptake, DHR 123 is oxidized by ROS into a fluorescent compound. 

It seems that neither the superoxide, the NO, nor the hydrogen peroxide by themselves, are capable of oxidizing DHR. These ROS are thought to combine with other cellular components such as cytochrome c oxidase or Fe²⁺ in order to oxidize DHR 123 to its fluorescent derivative Rhodamine 123. 
Rhodamine 123 can be detected by fluorimeter, flow cytometer or fluorescence microscope with a maximum excitation and emission spectra of 500 and 536 nm, respectively. It can be also detected by absorbance spectroscopy at 500 nm (ε = 78,800 M^-1 cm^-1).