A Spectrofluorometer for Recording of Intracellular Oxidation-Reduction States

A simple and versatile microspectrofluorometer is described together with suitable electronic circuits for single-differential-or double-aperture operation. The apparatus is suitable for measuring oxidation-reduction states of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic pyridine nucleotide in various organs with apertures ranging from 15 microns up to a few millimeters. Suitable optical and electronic components are briefly described together with some of their limitations. The application of the method to the state of oxygenation of brain and liver together with the recording of hormonal responses in the heart is indicated. An outline of the limitations of the present apparatus and desirable future developments is included.