Quantification of intracellular free sodium ions by using a new fluorescent indicator, sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate in guinea pig myocytes.

Isolated guinea pig myocytes were loaded with the Na(+)-sensitive fluorescent probe, sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI). The 340/380 nm fluorescence ratios were measured with fluorescence microscopy. The distribution of intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) was homogenous, and the mean resting [Na+]i was 8.4 +/- 0.5 mM. There was a significant relationship (r = 0.66, p less than 0.001) between elevation of [Na+]i and shortening of longitudinal length of the cells, during the perfusion of 100 microM strophanthidin. It is concluded that this method is suitable for measuring [Na+]i in isolated myocytes.