2,7-dichlorofluorescin oxidation and reactive oxygen species: What does it measure?

Intracellular 2,7-dichlorofluorescin (H2DCF) oxidation is often used to measure the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells. The rate of H2DCF oxidation depends on the concentration of glutathione, which is an alternative target for ROS. Our results suggest that increased rate of H2DCF oxidation be interpreted as an indication of general oxidative stress due to a variety of reasons, including depletion of antioxidants, rather than as a specific proof of augmented ROS formation. (C) 2000 Academic Press.